Pith Parenchyma Research Articles

Effects of Selenium on the Lignin Deposition Pattern and Stem Mechanical Properties of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.).

Lignin provides structural support to plants; however, it reduces their utilization rate. According to our previous studies, selenium (Se) reduces lignin accumulation in alfalfa, but the specific mechanism involved remains unclear. Therefore, at the seedling stage, four root irrigation treatments using 2.5, 50, and 5 μmol/L sodium selenite (S-RI), selenomethionine (SS-RI), Se nanoparticles (SSS-RI), and deionized water (CK-RI) were performed. At the branching stage, four treatments of foliar spraying with the three Se fertilizers described above at a concentration of 0.5 mmol/L (S-FS, SS-FS, and SSS-FS) and deionized water (CK-FS) were administered. The results revealed that all Se treatments chiefly reduced the level of deposition of syringyl (S) lignin in the first internode of alfalfa stems. SS-FS and SSS-FS treatments mainly reduced the deposition of S and guaiacyl (G) lignins in the sixth internode of alfalfa stems, respectively, while S-FS treatment only slightly reduced the deposition of G lignin. S, SS, and SSS-RI treatments reduced the level of deposition of S and G lignins in the sixth internode of alfalfa stems. Se application increased plant height, stem diameter, epidermis (cortex) thickness, primary xylem vessel number (diameter), and pith diameter of alfalfa but decreased primary xylem area and pith parenchyma cell wall thickness of the first internode, and SS(SSS)-FS treatment reduced the mechanical strength of alfalfa stems. Therefore, Se application could decrease lignin accumulation by regulating the organizational structure parameters of alfalfa stems and the deposition pattern of the lignin monomers.

Diversity of Strains in the Pseudomonas syringae Complex Causing Bacterial Stem Blight of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) in the United States.

Alfalfa growers in the Intermountain West of the United States have recently seen an increased incidence in bacterial stem blight (BSB), which can result in significant herbage yield losses from the first harvest. BSB has been attributed to Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae and P. viridiflava; however, little is known about the genetic diversity and pathogenicity of these bacteria or their interaction with alfalfa plants. Here, we present a comprehensive phylogenetic and phenotypic analysis of P. syringae and P. viridiflava strains causing BSB on alfalfa. A multilocus sequence analysis found that they grouped exclusively with P. syringae PG2b and P. viridiflava PG7a. Alfalfa symptoms caused by both bacterial groups were indistinguishable, although there was a large range in mean disease scores for individual strains. Overall, PG2b strains incited significantly greater disease scores than those caused by PG7a strains. Inoculated plants showed browning in the xylem and collapse of epidermal and pith parenchyma cells. Inoculation with a mixture of PG2b and PG7a strains did not result in synergistic activity. The populations of PG2b and PG7a strains were genetically diverse within their clades and did not group by location or haplotype. The PG2b strains had genes for production of the phytotoxin coronatine, which is unusual in PG2b strains. The results indicate that both pathogens are well established on alfalfa across a wide geographic range and that a recent introduction or evolution of more aggressive strains as the basis for emergence of the disease is unlikely.

Stem anatomy of some Crepis L. (Asteraceae) taxa and its taxonomic significance

In this study, the stem anatomy of nine Crepis (Asteraceae) taxa were decribed for the first time from Türkiye. The anatomical data obtained were evaluated in terms of taxonomy with analysis of variance and principal components analysis. The stem mainly consist of one layer epidermis, parenchymatous cortex, collateral vascular bundles and parenchymatous pith in all taxa examined. Glandular or non-glandular trichomes are found in the epidermal cells of the stem in some species examined. Despite that fact that all taxa examined have similar stem anatomy, quantitative traits such as length or width of the anatomical characters significantly varry among the taxa. In particular, the xylem thickness considerably differs among the taxa studied, according to the results of analysis of variance. Besides, the xylem is more thicker in caulescent species than scapigerous taxa. According to the results of principal components analysis, the xylem thickness and the epidermis cell length explain most of the total variation with about 82% value among the studied taxa. These results show that xylem thickness and epidermis cell length have a high taxonomic value.

Maize Internode Autofluorescence at the Macroscopic Scale: Image Representation and Principal Component Analysis of a Series of Large Multispectral Images.

A quantitative histology of maize stems is needed to study the role of tissue and of their chemical composition in plant development and in their end-use quality. In the present work, a new methodology is proposed to show and quantify the spatial variability of tissue composition in plant organs and to statistically compare different samples accounting for biological variability. Multispectral UV/visible autofluorescence imaging was used to acquire a macroscale image series based on the fluorescence of phenolic compounds in the cell wall. A series of 40 multispectral large images of a whole internode section taken from four maize inbred lines were compared. The series consisted of more than 1 billion pixels and 11 autofluorescence channels. Principal Component Analysis was adapted and named large PCA and score image montages at different scales were built. Large PCA score distributions were proposed as quantitative features to compare the inbred lines. Variations in the tissue fluorescence were clearly displayed in the score images. General intensity variations were identified. Rind vascular bundles were differentiated from other tissues due to their lignin fluorescence after visible excitation, while variations within the pith parenchyma were shown via UV fluorescence. They depended on the inbred line, as revealed by the first four large PCA score distributions. Autofluorescence macroscopy combined with an adapted analysis of a series of large images is promising for the investigation of the spatial heterogeneity of tissue composition between and within organ sections. The method is easy to implement and can be easily extended to other multi-hyperspectral imaging techniques. The score distributions enable a global comparison of the images and an analysis of the inbred lines' effect. The interpretation of the tissue autofluorescence needs to be further investigated by using complementary spatially resolved techniques.

Stem Anatomy Confirms Tingia unita Is a Progymnosperm.

Tingia Halle, a representative genus of the Cathaysia Flora, has been studied for nearly 100 years, being a small heterosporous tree based on the gross morphology of Tingia unita. However, the systematic affinity of Tingia is uncertain. Now, a number of well-preserved fossils of T. unita from the Taiyuan Formation of Lower Permian in Wuda Coalfield, Wuhai City, Inner Mongolia facilitates an examination of wood anatomy. The stem anatomy of T. unita shows parenchymatous pith, endarch primary xylem, pycnoxylic secondary xylem, and cortex, typically a type of gymnosperm wood, which taken together with pteridophytic reproduction, certainly evidences that Tingia Halle is a progymnosperm. In addition, Tingia together with Paratingia provide strong evidence to link the Noeggerathiales with progymnosperms.

Türkiye’den Noccaea Moench (Brassicaceae) Cinsi Anatomisi Üzerine Katkılar

The anatomical properties of Noccaea camlikensis and N. cariensis were determined in this study. The roots have a secondary root type. The stem cross-sections have a single-layered epidermis, parenchymatous cortex, one layered distinct endodermis, vascular bundles with sclerenchymatic caps, and parenchymatic pith cells. Equifacial and bifacial mesophyll types are observed in the leaves, with multiple-layered palisade tissue, and the spongy parenchyma is well-developed. Vascular bundles are small in the leaves except in the leaf midrib. Anisocytic stomata type are observed in the surface sections. The assessment of anatomical characteristics of the studied Noccaea species, such as the number of cortex in the stem and the shape of midvein of leaf, are of taxonomical value.

Transcriptional regulation of the raffinose family oligosaccharides pathway in Sorghum bicolor reveals potential roles in leaf sucrose transport and stem sucrose accumulation.

Bioenergy sorghum hybrids are being developed with enhanced drought tolerance and high levels of stem sugars. Raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) contribute to plant environmental stress tolerance, sugar storage, transport, and signaling. To better understand the role of RFOs in sorghum, genes involved in myo-inositol and RFO metabolism were identified and relative transcript abundance analyzed during development. Genes involved in RFO biosynthesis (SbMIPS1, SbInsPase, SbGolS1, SbRS) were more highly expressed in leaves compared to stems and roots, with peak expression early in the morning in leaves. SbGolS, SbRS, SbAGA1 and SbAGA2 were also expressed at high levels in the leaf collar and leaf sheath. In leaf blades, genes involved in myo-inositol biosynthesis (SbMIPS1, SbInsPase) were expressed in bundle sheath cells, whereas genes involved in galactinol and raffinose synthesis (SbGolS1, SbRS) were expressed in mesophyll cells. Furthermore, SbAGA1 and SbAGA2, genes that encode neutral-alkaline alpha-galactosidases that hydrolyze raffinose, were differentially expressed in minor vein bundle sheath cells and major vein and mid-rib vascular and xylem parenchyma. This suggests that raffinose synthesized from sucrose and galactinol in mesophyll cells diffuses into vascular bundles where hydrolysis releases sucrose for long distance phloem transport. Increased expression (>20-fold) of SbAGA1 and SbAGA2 in stem storage pith parenchyma of sweet sorghum between floral initiation and grain maturity, and higher expression in sweet sorghum compared to grain sorghum, indicates these genes may play a key role in non-structural carbohydrate accumulation in stems.

Under cadmium stress, silicon has a defensive effect on the morphology, physiology, and anatomy of pea (Pisum sativum L.) plants.

Soil pollution with cadmium (Cd) is a serious threat to plant growth and development. On the other hand, silicon (Si) can support plants to cope with Cd stress. However, the Cd stress mitigating impact of Si reduction in pea (Pisum sativum L.) is not known. The objective of this study is to see if and how Si can reduce Cd toxicity. To the end, a greenhouse pot experiment was performed twice during the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 seasons to investigate the effect of Si on the growth, anatomy, and biochemistry of Cd stressed peas plants. Cd exposure increased the contents of Cd ions in the root and shoot of pea plants. Consequentially, Cd accumulation in pea tissue significantly reduced plant growth i.e., plant height, leaf area, and shoot and root dry weights. The effect of Cd was concentration-dependent, where at low concentration (50 mg/kg soil), the plant height was 94.33 and 97.33cm and at high concentration (100 mg/kg soil), it was 89.0 and 91.0cm in the two seasons, respectively. This growth reduction can be explained by the decrease in plants' photosynthesis, whereas plants exposed to Cd toxicity had lower chlorophyll levels. At the anatomy level, high Cd concentrations resulted in anatomical abnormalities such as an unusual vascular system, abnormal lignification in the pith parenchyma, and enlarged cortical cells. Moreover, all Cd concentrations resulted in a highly significant decrease in stomatal area and stomatal density (the number of stomata per mm2). In addition to growth inhibition, Cd-induced oxidative damage to pea plants as indicated by increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. To reduce stress toxicity, plants treated with Cd at 50 and 100 (mg/kg) showed a significant increase in antioxidant capacity. Peroxidase (POD) enzyme activity was significantly increased by 41.26%, 28.64%, 77.05%, and 60.77% in both seasons, respectively. Si at 300 ppm under Cd (100 mg/kg) stress conductions considerably reduced (MDA) contents by 29.02% and 29.12%, in the two seasons, respectively. The findings pointed out that Si's ability to protect pea against the oxidative stress caused by Cd toxicity.

Laticifer Identification, Rubber Characterization, Phenolic Content, and Antioxidant Activity of Pergularia tomentosa Latex Extract.

Pergularia tomentosa is a perennial twining herb widely spread out arid and semiarid Tunisian regions. It is searched for its richness in enzymes, secondary metabolites, antifungal activity, and milk-clotting activity. Traditional use implies the fresh latex in wounding heals. The present study was aimed at identifying laticifer distribution in Pergularia tomentosa stems, leaves, and petioles. In the present study, the identification of latex extract's components and its valorisation by estimation of phenolic content, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity are conducted. Anatomical structures proved the presence of laticifers in the aerial parts of Pergularia tomentosa. They are particularly observed along the pith and cortical parenchyma in stem, in leaf mesophyll, and in petiole phloem. Identified laticifers were characterized as nonarticulated. FTIR spectroscopy proves the presence of several functional groups in the latex and mainly the cis-1-4-isoprene monomer. Results suggested that Pergularia tomentosa latex contributes significantly as a source of phenol content (62.3 mg Eq GAE/g) and flavonoids (24.8 mg Eq QE/g). Scavenging free radicals of DPPH exhibited IC50 value of 12 μg/ml. In conclusion, latex extracted from Pergularia tomentosa can be implied in industry as a natural rubber. It can be used, also, in medicine as a therapeutic agent.

Establishment of quality indicators of promising plant raw materials - underground organs of Rumex confertus willd

The aim is to study the morphological and anatomical structure of the underground organs of R. confertus and to establish the type of medicinal plant raw materials, to determine a number of its indicators of quality and quantitative content of some groups of biologically active substances using modern methods of analysis.
 Materials and methods. It was used air-dry and freshly collected raw materials and a microscope Delta optic BioLight 300 (Poland) to study the macro- and microscopic characteristics of the plant raw materials. Determination of amount of hydroxycinnamic acids and total polyphenols was determined spectrophotometrically according to monograph «Nettle leaf» and the method 2.8.14 of the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine 2.0 (on a spectrophotometer Optizen POP (Korea)). The study of the component composition of hydroxycinnamic acids was performed by HPLC.
 Results. As a result of research of plant raw materials it was established that the underground organs of Rumex confertus are the roots of annual plants and the rhizomes and roots of two or three annual plants. Diagnostic features: morphological (for the root and rhizome - the nature of the surface and fracture) and anatomical (for the rhizome - aerenchyma in the cortex, the presence and location of scleroids and sclerenchyma in the plant raw materials of two or three annual plants, the presence in the cells of the cortex and pith parenchyma simple starch grains, druses and cells with yellow content in freshly harvested plant raw materials; for the root - the colour of peridermal cells, the degree of development of pith rays, the remainder of the primary xylem; a distinctive feature of the annual root from two or three annuals is the absence of scleroids). It was determined the borderline boundaries of indicators in the series of plant raw materials: loss on drying (not more than 13. 5 %), total ash (not more than 11 %), extractable matter (not less than 33 %) and the quantitative content of amount of hydroxycinnamic acids (not less than 1.3 %) and total polyphenols (not less than 3.5 %). It was identified chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids.
 Conclusions. It was determined the type of underground organs of Rumex confertus: annuals had only roots (tap root systems), from the second to the third year of life the plants have both rhizomes and tap root system. It was established their morphological and anatomical diagnostic features and determined numerical indicators and the quantitative content of the amount of hydroxycinnamic acids and total polyphenols with using modern methods of analysis and chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids were identified. The obtained data will be used in further research, including the development of the draft monograph of the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine 2.0 or the draft methods of quality control of medicinal plant raw materials Rumex confertus and the creation of herbal medicines

A novel cupulate seed plant, Xadzigacalix quatsinoensis gen. et sp. nov., provides new insight into the Mesozoic radiation of gymnosperms.

PremiseAnatomically preserved evidence for a novel clade of gymnosperms emphasizes diversity of seed plants immediately prior to the appearance of angiosperm fossils in the paleontological record.MethodsCupulate seeds from the Early Cretaceous Apple Bay locality (Vancouver Island) are described from serial cellulose acetate peels and three‐dimensional reconstruction. Phylogenetic context is assessed through the comparative analysis of gymnosperm seed producing fructifications and maximum parsimony analysis of a revised morphological data set for seed plant phylogeny.Results Xadzigacalix quatsinoensis gen. et sp. nov. is characterized by an orthotropous ovule with an elongated micropyle and complex integument, enclosed within a radial cupule. The micropylar canal is elongated; and the nucellus extends into the micropyle to seal the post pollination ovule. Except at the apex of the micropyle, the seed is completely enclosed by a parenchymatous cupule with ca. 20 axially elongated secretory ducts. The cupulate seed is produced upon a triangular woody stele, consisting of a parenchymatous pith surrounded by radially aligned tracheids. The stele produces three short terete traces that terminate within the base of the cupule as transfusion tissue at the seed chalaza.ConclusionsOrganography, vascularization, nature of the integument and nucellus, and configuration of the micropylar canal distinguish Xadzigacalix quatsinoensis from all other gymnosperm clades. Cladistic analyses suggest the new plant may have affinities with gnetophytes or angiosperms. These results are complemented with a critical re‐evaluation of ovulate structures for Mesozoic gymnosperms, providing new insight into plant diversity immediately antecedent to the explosive diversification of flowering plants.

Effects of pith ring on the hygroscopicity and dimensional stability of bamboo

The pith ring is an important component of bamboo, which is located on the inner side of the culm wall. However, the effect of pith ring on bamboo properties is unclear. The study aimed to analyze the influence of pith ring on the hygroscopicity and dimensional stability of bamboo. The study used X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) to measure the crystallinity and chemical composition of bamboo pith ring and middle layer. The scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution computed tomography to observe the morphology of bamboo pith ring and parenchyma. The analysis showed a higher crystallinity and lignin content for the pith ring than the middle layer. In addition, the analysis revealed that the pith ring and the middle layer formed a criss-cross structure. The existence of the pith ring reduced the hygroscopicity and hygroscopicity hysteresis to a certain extent. In fact, the pith ring improved the dimensional stability of bamboo in radial and tangential directions, while it slightly reduced the dimensional stability in the longitudinal direction. These observations indicate that the pith ring was formed in bamboo during evolution to improve dimensional stability and to better adapt to complex environmental conditions. In the manufacture of bamboo products, the retention of pith ring can improve the utilization rate of bamboo and the dimensional stability of bamboo products.

Structural responses of differentially adapted Cenchrus setigerus Vahl ecotypes to water deficit

Two ecotypes of Cenchrus setigerus Vahl (birdwood grass) were collected from dry mountains surrounding hyper-saline Kalar Kahar Lake and Gatwala artificial forest plantation. The ramets of the two ecotypes were established in pots for 15 days and then subjected to 100% FC (control) or 75% and 50% FC (field capacity) levels. Growth attributes such as plant height, tillers per plant, leaves per plant, shoot fresh and dry weights were severely affected while root length was the only attribute that increased in both ecotypes under moisture stress. Root anatomical attributes like cortical and pith parenchyma, and vascular region thickness increased in both ecotypes under water stress. Root radius increased in the Faisalabad ecotype at 75% FC, while increased in Salt Range ecotype only at 50% FC. Stem cellular region, sclerenchymatous cell area, vascular bundle area and metaxylem area increased significantly under moderate and severe water deficit only in the Faisalabad ecotype. The Salt Range ecotype exhibited intensive sclerification and large vascular tissue at 50% FC. Leaf anatomical attributes like epidermal cell area, bundle sheath thickness, sclerenchyma thickness and its cell area, and, vascular bundles area significantly increased in the Salt Range ecotype with increasing water deficit. The Faisalabad ecotype showed significant increase in vascular bundle area, metaxylem area and adaxial stomatal area. These findings indicated that both C. setigerus ecotypes mainly relied on water conservation and survival rather than maintaining growth and biomass production. The anatomical modifications at root, stem and leaf levels ensured survival of C. setigerus ecotypes in extreme arid conditions. • Growth attributes were severely affected while root length increased under stress • Root radius increased in the Faisalabad ecotype at 75% FC, while at 50% FC in Salt Range ecotype • Stem area, sclerification and vascular bundle area increased only in Faisalabad ecotype • The Salt Range ecotype exhibited intensive sclerification in leaves and large vascular tissue at 50% FC • The Faisalabad ecotype showed an increase in vascular bundle area, metaxylem area and adaxial stomatal area

Stem anatomical survey of the genera Matricaria and Tripleurospermum (Asteraceae) from Turkey with its taxonomical and ecological implications

A comparative anatomical study of the stems in 32 taxa assigned in the two related genera; Matricaria (4 taxa) and Tripleurospermum (28 taxa, 30 accessions), was carried out in Turkey by using cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) to address generic classification and taxa delimitation. All the studied taxa have the following stem characteristics: one layer of epidermal cells with a sparse distribution of non-glandular trichomes, a cortex composed of interchanging collenchyma and chlorenchyma cells, a number of schizogenous secretory ducts near the bundles, ovate to oblong and open collateral vascular bundles which are arranged in a ring and are variable in size, and parenchymatous pith. The differences among the taxa are mainly the thickness of the xylem in the vascular bundle, the length of the epidermal cells and the pith cell size. The taxonomic and ecological values of the anatomical data are discussed in light of the current framework.

Morphological, anatomical, palynological, and micromorphological study on Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Brassicaceae)

The present study deals with the morphological, anatomical, and palynological properties of Diplotaxis tenuifolia. The stem cross-sections had a single-layered epidermis, parenchymatous cortex, vascular bundles, and parenchymatic pith cells. An equifacial mesophyll type was observed in the leaves with multiple-layered palisade tissue, but the spongy parenchyma was reduced. Vascular bundles were small except for the midrib. The cross-sections of the fruit had a single exocarp, 3- or 4-layered mesocarp, and single-layered endocarp. Transverse sections of the seed showed the presence of layers of epidermis, parenchyma, and endosperm.

Petiole anatomy of some species of Bauhinia L. sensu lato (Leguminosae Juss.) occurring in India

The petiole is a vital part of the leaf that acts as a bridge between the lamina and stem or branch for the transport of photosynthate, minerals, nutrients and provide flexible mechanical support to the lamina. Its anatomy remains unique and species‐specific. Therefore, twelve species of Bauhinia sensu lato were investigated histologically in the present study. The disparities in the petiole outline, structure and composition of secondary xylem and presence of cell inclusions can be wisely employed for species identification. Conducting elements of the xylem and phloem were arranged as irregularly distributed individual vascular bundles in Schnella guianensis. Several vascular bundles joined to form a double ring of the xylem and phloem in Piliostigma foveolatum, P. malabaricum, P. racemosum, two species of Phanera (P. retusa, P. vahlii) and Bauhinia variegata while in the remaining species, it remained as a single ring. Other features of taxonomic importance are xylem ring that can be circular and complete and if incomplete crescent‐shaped or ‘U' shaped, arrangement of cortical bundles and their position, accumulation of tannin etc. Deposition of tannin was observed in the pith, xylem and phloem parenchyma of Piliostigma foveolatum, P. malabaricum, Bauhinia tomentosa and B. variegata and in the pith and phloem parenchyma of Phanera phoenicea, Piliostigma racemosum and Phanera scandens. Tannin was found absent in B. acuminata and B. purpurea. All these features played important role in species recognition. Structural details of the petiole are described in detail for all the investigated species using standard anatomical methods and light microscopy. Findings revealed that anatomical characteristics of the petiole are of taxonomic value for this genus and can be valuable for species identification and classification.

Comparative petiole and stem anatomy of species of the genera Bryophyllum and Kalanchoe in South-western Nigeria

The petiole and the stem anatomy of Kalanchoe and Bryophyllum species were studied to document characters that are of taxonomic importance among the species. The species are Kalanchoe crenata, Kalanchoe lanceolata, Bryophyllum pinnatum, Bryophyllum delagoense and Bryophyllum houghtonii. Transverse sections of the median region of the petioles and the stem of each of the species were made using a Reichert sliding microtome at 8-15μm thickness. Unifying and diagnostic features were also identified. Unifying features such as starch grains present on the petiole, parenchymatous pith in the stem were recorded. Diagnostic features such as biseriate to multi seriate epidermis in the stem of Bryophyllum pinnatum were also recorded. The unifying characters suggest that the species of the two genera should be combined into one genus Kalanchoe with sections under it.

Pharmacognostical evaluation of the stem and root of Rhynchosia beddomei - An endemic plant of Andhra Pradesh

Rhynchosia beddomei (Fabaceae) is an endemic plant to the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India. The plant is widely used by Yanadi and Chenchu tribes for the treatment of rheumatic pains, wound healing, cuts, boils, sprains, and also as an antidote for insect bites. For the worldwide acceptance of the traditional system of medicine, documentation and standardization of the raw materials used for the preparation of herbal medicine is of primary concern. Pharmacognostical studies play an important role in the identification of plants. Standardization of plant materials is mainly done by detailed microscopic evaluation. The present study aims to evaluate and establish the various pharmacognostical approaches like macroscopical, microscopical (cell structure and their arrangement), physicochemical (including different ash values, loss on drying and extractive values), fluorescence, preliminary phytochemical profiles of the stem and root parts. The microscopical studies of stem revealed the presence of prominent tanniniferrous circular idioblasts in the phloem region and prismatic, rectangular, and cuboidal-shaped calcium oxalate crystals in the pith, cortex, and phloem parenchyma regions. In the roots, thin and thick roots were studied. The thin root has a wide fissured periderm and a narrow cortex with a discontinuous layer of sclerenchyma elements inner with periderm. The thick root has a wider, fissured superficial periderm followed by a cortical zone where parenchyma cells and sclereids are mixed at random. The current research report on pharmacognostical evaluation provides an important diagnostic tool for the correct identification and documentation of the endemic plant material of R. beddomei in dried form.

Identification and analysis of stem‐specific promoters from sugarcane and energy cane for oil accumulation in their stems

AbstractConsiderable recent progress has been achieved in bioengineering oil accumulation in the vegetative tissues of plants, opening an opportunity for large scale production of biodiesel, jet fuel, lubricants, and high‐value lipid bioproducts. For the highly productive C4 crops, such as sugarcane, energy cane, Miscanthus, and fiber sorghums, the bulk of the biomass is the stem. However, little success has been made in accumulating oil in the stem. Since engineering a trait with a constitutive promoter often results in pleiotropic effects that counter trait improvement, identification of stem parenchyma‐specific promoters is a prerequisite for efficient use of the ample photoassimilates stored in mature stem parenchyma cells. In this study, we first identified two TST genes encoding homologues of tonoplast sugar transporters that were strongly and almost exclusively expressed in the stems of canes via a combination of RNA‐seq atlas analysis, in silico analysis of a sugarcane genome, phylogenetic analysis, and quantitative PCR analysis. They were further confirmed in the pith parenchyma cells of the mature stem by RNA in situ hybridization. When fused with the β‐Glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene, the promoters of two alleles, TST2b‐1A and TST2b‐1C, from one TST gene demonstrated that they could drive the GUS expression exclusively in the stem in Arabidopsis.

Struktur Anatomi dan Uji Histokimia Terpenoid dan Fenol Dua Varietas Sirih Hijau (Piper betle L.)

This study aims to determine the anatomical structure and histochemical test of terpenoid and phenol compounds in two varieties of green betel plants (Piper betle). Making leaves anatomical structure preparations using the fresh method, testing terpenoid compounds with 5% copper acetate, testing phenol with ferric trichloride 10% and some grains of sodium carbonate. The observations of the anatomical structure of green betel leaf varieties 1 and varieties 2 have similarities consisting of the upper epidermis, upper hypodermis, palisade parenchyma, parenchymal sponges, vascular bundles (xylem and phloem), sclerenchyma, cholenchyma, lower epidermis, lower hypodermis, secretory cells, trichoma, stoma and calcium oxalate crystals, and in varieties 2 look more trichomes. The anatomical structure of the variety 1 betel stem and varieties 2 are arranged from the outside in the direction of the epidermal tissue, colenchymal tissue, cortical bundles, sclerenchyma, cortex, medullary and peripheral vascular files, pith, the central part of the stem is a secretory gland. Phenol in betel vine varieties 1 and varieties 2 is positive in the secretion cell part which is spread in the parenchymal tissue of the mother's leaf bone and lamina, whereas in the stem is spread around the cortex and pith parenchyma. Positive secretion cells contain phenol not as much as secretory cells containing terpenoids. Based on quantitative observations the size of oil cell density and secretion cell diameter, the essential oils contained in the cell secretions in the leaves of variety 1 are more than varieties 2 while in the varieties 2, there are more varieties 1.