Plant Families Research Articles

AllergenAI: a deep learning model predicting allergenicity based on protein sequence.

Innovations in protein engineering can help redesign allergenic proteins to reduce adverse reactions in sensitive individuals. To accomplish this aim, a better knowledge of the molecular properties of allergenic proteins and the molecular features that make a protein allergenic is needed. We present a novel AI-based tool, AllergenAI, to quantify the allergenic potential of a given protein. Our approach is solely based on protein sequences, differentiating it from previous tools that use some knowledge of the allergens' physicochemical and other properties in addition to sequence homology. We used the collected data on protein sequences of allergenic proteins as archived in the three well-established databases, SDAP 2.0, COMPARE, and AlgPred 2, to train a convolutional neural network and assessed its prediction performance by cross-validation. We then used Allergen AI to find novel potential proteins of the cupin family in date palm, spinach, maize, and red clover plants with a high allergenicity score that might have an adverse allergenic effect on sensitive individuals. By analyzing the feature importance scores (FIS) of vicilins, we identified a proline-alanine-rich (P-A) motif in the top 50% of FIS regions that overlapped with known IgE epitope regions of vicilin allergens. Furthermore, using∼ 1600 allergen structures in our SDAP database, we showed the potential to incorporate 3D information in a CNN model. Future, incorporating 3D information in training data should enhance the accuracy. AllergenAI is a novel foundation for identifying the critical features that distinguish allergenic proteins.

Dietary foundations for pollinators: nutritional profiling of plants for bee health

Human activities, including urban expansion, intensive farming practices, and the application of pesticides have significantly reshaped bee habitats. Understanding the nutritional content of pollen, the primary source of bees’ proteins and lipids, is important for maintaining their diet and health. In this study, we set out to determine the nutritional composition of pollen from various plant families and genera. Our objectives were to analyze the levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), amino acids (AAs), protein-to-lipid (P:L) ratios, and omega-6:3 ratios of 57 pollen species native to North America. These data suggest a potential trade-off between NEFA and AA content within pollen, suggesting that a diverse floral diet may benefit bees more than a single pollen source. The AA profiles showed considerable diversity, with all pollen species providing the essential amino acids (EAAs) required for bee health, except for methionine which was lacking in Rhus glabra pollen. The plant family Asteraceae was especially abundant in EAAs. P:L ratios varied widely further emphasizing bees’ need for access to a diverse array of nutritional profiles. There were no overall nutritional differences between pollen from native and introduced plant species. This study highlights the significance of a diverse array of floral resources to meet the comprehensive nutritional needs of bees, contributing to the support of pollinator populations and the broader ecological system.

Neuroprotective and Mental Health Benefits of Salt-Tolerant Plants: A Comprehensive Review of Traditional Uses and Biological Properties

This study undertakes a thorough review of the ethnomedicinal properties of salt-tolerant plants and their potential to treat neurological disorders and enhance mental health. Aimed at bridging the gap between historical knowledge and contemporary scientific validation, our research meticulously evaluates both the traditional uses and the existing scientific evidence supporting the neuroprotective effects of these plants, leveraging in vitro and in vivo experimental findings. Through a comprehensive search of articles from 2001 to December 2023 across scientific databases, we identified sixteen species across nine plant families with demonstrated in vitro neuroprotective properties. Among these, the Chenopodiaceae and Juncaceae families emerged as the most represented, including plants such as Salicornia sp., Juncus sp., and Limonium sp., primarily recognized for their cholinesterase inhibitory activity. However, a notable disparity exists between traditional applications and scientific examination, with only six species undergoing in vivo testing. This discrepancy underscores the imperative for future research to delve deeper into validating traditional uses and elucidating the mechanisms underlying neuroprotection. Our findings highlight the need for research on salt-tolerant plants traditionally used for neurological benefits. Key steps include systematic screening, identification of active compounds through bioassay-guided fractionation, and in vivo testing. Integrating traditional knowledge with modern pharmacology, while emphasizing sustainable and ethical approaches, is essential for advancing neuroprotective drug discovery.

The use of medicinal plants in the Aneuk Jamee tribe in Kota Bahagia, South Aceh District, Indonesia

Abstract. Nursamsu, Nuraini, Sarjani TM, Mardudi. 2024. The use of medicinal plants in the Aneuk Jamee tribe in Kota Bahagia, South Aceh District, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2524-2540. The Aneuk Jamee tribe comes from the Acehnese language, namely "Aneuk" which means child, while "Jamee" means guest/immigrant who is in the south of Aceh. The development of the use of medicinal plants is very promising in terms of supporting factors such as the availability of rich and diverse biological resources which can be developed as alternative treatment options for various types of diseases. The aim of this research is to document and study further the medicinal plants used by the Aneuk Jamee tribe in Kota Bahagia Sub-Sub-district, South Aceh, Indonesia, in four villages, namely Jombo Keupok, Alur Dua Mas, Ujong Tanoh and Beutong. This research is based on field surveys, plant collections, and interviews with local people. Interviews were conducted with 11 key respondents who are experts in the field of local medicine who were selected using the purposive snowball sampling method. This research highlights around 152 plant taxa belonging to 59 families. Poaceae (13 taxa) are the dominant family of medicinal plants. In the medicinal plant habitat, 77 taxa (50.7%) are predominantly wild and 75 taxa (49.3%) are cultivated. The part of the plant that is commonly used is the leaves (46.1%) which is the dominant part used. Squeezing (24%) was the main preparation method, and drinking (60.4%) was the commonly used method. The study categorizes 59 diseases into 16 categories. A high Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) value indicates that symptoms and signs affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissue (SCT), as well as diseases related to the blood and blood-forming organs, including certain disorders involving the body's immune mechanisms (DBF), have a significant level of agreement among the informants.

AtMYB72 aggravates photosynthetic inhibition and oxidative damage in Arabidopsis thaliana leaves caused by salt stress

ABSTRACT MYB transcription factor is one of the largest families in plants. There are more and more studies on plants responding to abiotic stress through MYB transcription factors, but the mechanism of some family members responding to salt stress is unclear. In this study, physiological and transcriptome techniques were used to analyze the effects of the R2R3-MYB transcription factor AtMYB72 on the growth and development, physiological function, and key gene response of Arabidopsis thaliana. Phenotypic observation showed that the damage of overexpression strain was more serious than that of Col-0 after salt treatment, while the mutant strain showed less salt injury symptoms. Under salt stress, the decrease of chlorophyll content, the degree of photoinhibition of photosystem II (PSII) and photosystem I (PSI) and the degree of oxidative damage of overexpressed lines were significantly higher than those of Col-0. Transcriptome data showed that the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) induced by salt stress in overexpressed lines was significantly higher than that in Col-0. GO enrichment analysis showed that the response of AtMYB72 to salt stress was mainly by affecting gene expression in cell wall ectoplast, photosystem I and photosystem II, and other biological processes related to photosynthesis. Compared with Col-0, the overexpression of AtMYB72 under salt stress further inhibited the synthesis of chlorophyll a (Chla) and down-regulated most of the genes related to photosynthesis, which made the photosynthetic system more sensitive to salt stress. AtMYB72 also caused the outbreak of reactive oxygen species and the accumulation of malondialdehyde under salt stress, which decreased the activity and gene expression of key enzymes in SOD, POD, and AsA-GSH cycle, thus destroying the ability of antioxidant system to maintain redox balance. AtMYB72 negatively regulates the accumulation of osmotic regulatory substances such as soluble sugar (SS) and soluble protein (SP) in A. thaliana leaves under salt stress, which enhances the sensitivity of Arabidopsis leaves to salt. To sum up, MYB72 negatively regulates the salt tolerance of A. thaliana by destroying the light energy capture, electron transport, and antioxidant capacity of Arabidopsis.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of the Mucuna sanjappae Seeds in the Rat Model and In Vitro Assays

The Fabaceae (Leguminosae) plant family contains several species of the Mucuna Adans. genus possessing therapeutic potential and growing widely in tropical and sub-tropical regions. In this research, we investigated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the extract from the Mucuna sanjappae Aitawade & S.R.Yadav seeds. Initially, we conducted an in vitro anti-inflammatory activity test using the bovine serum albumin anti-denaturation assay and found promising dose-dependent activity. Subsequently, we performed an in vivo anti-inflammatory and antioxidant study on a rat paw edema model induced by carrageenan. Three different doses of M. sanjappae seed water extract (50, 100 and 200mg/kg B/W) were used for the study (Oral administration). Edema measurement was carried out at 0, 2, 4 and 6 hr intervals. Dose dependent inhibition in edema in the M. sanjappae seed extract treatment group was observed with maximum activity for 200mg/kg B/W dose at 4 hr (53.49%). Standard drug showed maximum edema inhibition (54.94%) at 6hr. Our results also showed that, M. sanjappae seed extract inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and increases anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 with increased level of blood serum antioxidants. Phytochemical analysis for secondary metabolites including polyphenol, flavonoids, phytic acid, proanthocyanidin, tannin and saponin was also quantified which might be the responsible component for biological activities under study.

Phytochemical Analysis and Assessment of Antimicrobial, Genotoxic, and Cytotoxic Properties in Extracts Derived from Alyxia linearis Markgr. (Apocynaceae), a Philippine Endemic Species

The Apocynaceae is a known plant family that is rich in alkaloid, and many of its species were reported to have medicinal significance. An endemic plant from the Philippines, Alyxia linearis Markgr. – which has not yet been investigated for its phytochemistry nor bioactivity – is reported here. This study aims to characterize the phytochemical compounds and evaluate the antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and genotoxic activities of A. linearis. The hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol extracts from the roots, twigs, and leaves were subjected to different tests. The antimicrobial activity of the phytoconstituents was investigated against four bacteria (S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. faecalis, and E. coli) and two fungi (Penicillum sp. and A. niger). The antimicrobial analysis showed that among the nine extracts, only two extracts exhibited a partial inhibitory activity against those Gram-positive bacteria used, and only one extract exhibited a fungicidal activity. ATD inhibited the growth of both S. aureus and E. faecalis, whereas ARM inhibited only the growth of E. faecalis. Among the nine extracts, only ARD inhibited Penicillum growth. The genotoxicity of the extracts was tested using Allium cepa assay. The semipolar and polar extracts of A. linearis were all genotoxic except 1 ppm ALM. Cytotoxicity of the ALD extract was evaluated using an MTT assay on human dermal fibroblasts neonatal (HDFn). The assessment of cytotoxicity of ALD against HDFn showed an IC50 below 12.5 μg/mL as compared to the IC50 of the doxorubicin, which is 2.89 μg/mL. This indicates that the ALD extract is moderately cytotoxic as compared with doxorubicin. The phytochemical constituents of the A. linearis extracts were classified mainly as phenols, flavonoids, steroids, and triterpenes – with a slight occurrence of coumarins, anthraquinones, and anthrones.

Genome-wide identification of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. WRKY Gene family and expression analysis under salt stress

WRKY is one of the largest transcription factor families in higher plants, playing a crucial role in plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stresses by binding to the W-box motif in the target gene promoters. Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fish. (G. uralensis), known for its extensive medicinal value and adaptation to saline-alkali environments, has garnered attention. However, information regarding the members and functions of the G. uralensis WRKY gene family is relatively limited. In this study, we identified 52 GuWRKY genes from the G. uralensis genome and comprehensively investigated their characteristics through phylogenetic analysis, examination of gene duplication events, analysis of gene structures, and conservation of protein motifs. The GuWRKY family was classified into seven groups based on phylogenetic analysis, and collinearity analysis revealed that many GuWRKY genes originated from segmental duplications, demonstrating a highly conserved domain. Promoter cis-element analysis indicated the presence of elements related to hormones, stress, and growth and development in GuWRKYs. Transcriptomic analysis revealed distinct expression patterns of GuWRKYs under salt stress, with GuWRKY31 identified as a potential key regulator in salt stress responses. Subcellular localization experiments validated some of the predicted results. The provided biological information lays a crucial foundation for further exploration of the functions of GuWRKY genes.

Higher early than late-season residue load of pesticides in honey bee bread in Slovakia

Bees are often exposed to pesticide residues during their foraging trips in agricultural landscapes. The analysis of in-hive stored pollen reflects the spectrum of visited plants and can be almost used to link the exposure to pesticides.In the current study, bee bread samples were collected in May and July from 17 sites located in southern Slovakia. Samples were analysed using a multi-residue pesticide analysis method for a broad spectrum of active substances and microscopic for pollen identification.Our results revealed a bee bread contamination with 19 different active substances, with fungicides being predominant. Sixteen of them are authorized in the EU, but chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, and chloridazon are not. The highest concentrations for pendimethalin (1400 µg/kg), fluazifop-butyl (640 µg/kg), fenpropidin (520 µg/kg), fluopyram (130 µg/kg), and difenoconazole (95 µg/kg) were detected. The total residue load in bee bread sampled in the early season (May) was significantly higher than in the late season (July). The mean residue load of insecticides analysed in July comprised 46% of May’s load, which is alarming due to the importance of bee bread in the diet for winter-rearing bees. Moreover, results from both sampling periods showed that fungicides were positively associated with plant families Apiaceae and Papaveraceae and herbicides with Aceraceae, Salicaceae, and Brassica-type/Brassicaceae.Hence, bee bread can be considered a suitable matrix and a good bio-indicator reflecting honey bee exposure to pesticides over the season.

Green synthesis of Fe and Zn-NPs, phytochemistry and pharmacological evaluation of Phlomis cashmeriana Royle ex Benth

This investigation portrays the phytochemical screening, green synthesis, characterization of Fe and Zn nanoparticles, their antibacterial, anti-inflammation, cytotoxicity, and anti-thrombolytic activities. Four dissimilar solvents such as, n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol were used to prepare the extracts of Phlomis cashmeriana Royle ex Benth. This is valued medicinal plant (Family Lamiaceae), native to mountains of Afghanistan and Kashmir. In the GC-MS study of its extract, the identified phytoconstituents have different nature such as terpenoids, alcohol and esters. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by SEM, UV, XRD, and FT-IR. The phytochemical analysis showed that the plant contains TPC (total phenolic content) 297.51 mg GAE/g and TFC (total flavonoid content) 467.24 mg CE/g. The cytotoxicity values have shown that the chloroform, n-butanol and aqueous extracts were more toxic than other extracts. The anti-inflammatory potential of n-butanol and aqueous extracts was found higher than all other extracts. Chloroform and n-hexane extracts have low MIC values against both E. coli and S. aureus bacterial strains. Chloroform and aqueous extracts have great anti-thrombolytic potential than all other extracts. Overall, this study successfully synthesized the nanoparticles and provides evidence that P. cashmeriana have promising bioactive compounds that could serve as potential source in the drug formulation.

Phylogenetics and biogeography of the olive family (Oleaceae).

Progress in the systematic studies of the olive family (Oleaceae) during the last two decades provides the opportunity to update its backbone phylogeny and to investigate its historical biogeography. We additionally aimed to understand the factors underlying the disjunct distribution pattern between East Asia and both West Asia and Europe that is found more commonly in this family than in any other woody plant families. Using a sampling of 298 species out of ca. 750, the largest in a phylogenetic study of Oleaceae thus far, and a set of 36 plastid and nuclear markers, we reconstructed and dated a new phylogenetic tree based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods and checked for any reticulation events. We also assessed the relative support of four competing hypotheses [Qinghai-Tibet Plateau uplift (QTP-only hypothesis), climatic fluctuations (Climate-only hypothesis), combined effects of QTP uplift and climate (QTP-Climate hypothesis), and no effects (Null hypothesis)] in explaining these disjunct distributions. We recovered all tribes and subtribes within Oleaceae as monophyletic, but uncertainty in the position of tribe Forsythieae remains. Based on this dataset, no reticulation event was detected. Our biogeographic analyses support the QTP-Climate hypothesis as the likely main explanation for the East-West Eurasian disjunctions in Oleaceae. Our results also show an earlier origin of Oleaceae at ca. 86 Mya and the role of Tropical Asia as a main source of species dispersals. Our new family-wide and extensive phylogenetic tree highlights both the stable relationships within Oleaceae, including the polyphyly of the genus Chionanthus, and the need for further systematic studies within the family's largest and most under-sampled genera (Chionanthus and Jasminum). Increased sampling will also help to fine-tune biogeographic analyses across spatial scales and geological times.

Evolutionary divergence of CXE gene family in green plants unveils that PtoCXEs overexpression reduces fungal colonization in transgenic Populus.

Plant enzymes significantly contribute to the rapidly diversified metabolic repertoire since the colonization of land by plants. Carboxylesterase is just one of the ubiquitous, multifunctional and ancient enzymes that has particularly diversified during plant evolution. This study provided a status on the carboxylesterase landscape within Viridiplantae. A total of 784 carboxylesterases were identified from the genome of 31 plant species representing nine major lineages of sequenced Viridiplantae and divided into five clades based on phylogenetic analysis. Clade I carboxylesterase genes may be of bacterial origin and then expanded and diversified during plant evolution. Clade II was first gained in the ancestor of bryophytes after colonization of land by plants, Clade III and Clade IV in ferns which were considered the most advanced seedless vascular plants, while Clade V was gained in seed plants. To date, the functions of carboxylesterase genes in woody plants remain unclear. In this study, 51 carboxylesterase genes were identified from the genome of Populus trichocarpa and further divided into eight classes. Tandem and segmental duplication events both contributed to the expansion of carboxylesterase genes in Populus. Although carboxylesterase genes were proven to enhance resistance to pathogens in many herbaceous species, relevant researches on forest trees are still needed. In this study, pathogen incubation assays showed that overexpressing of six Class VI carboxylesterases in Populus tomentosa, to a greater or lesser degree, reduced colonization of detached leaves by fungus Cytospora chrysosperma. A significant difference was also found in functional divergence patterns for genes derived from different gene duplication events. Functional differentiation of duplicated carboxylesterase genes in Populus was proved for the first time by in vivo physiological analysis. The identification of the potentially anti-fungal PtoCXE06 gene also laid a theoretical foundation for promoting the genetic improvement of disease-resistance traits in forest trees.

Inventorying and proposing solutions for street tree management in Thu Duc city, Ho Chi Minh City

Tree inventory plays an essential role in the urban landscape master plan. It serves as the foundation for data acquisition that supports the planning strategy and decisions relating to the community’s interests, particularly in recently established cities like Thu Duc city. This research was carried out from October 2021 to December 2022 in this city and aimed to inventory to gather qualified information for managing the city’s street trees. The study used an inventory form of street trees including criteria such as name, family, diameter at breast height (DBH), total height, and indicators of vitality and distance from trees to infrastructure. By this form, 287 streets were surveyed. The total number of investigated trees was 31.023 trees belonging to 65 species and 24 flora families, of which the species with a high percentage (from 10% or more) were Dipterocarpus alatus, Hopea odorata, Peltophorum pterocarpum, and Lagerstroemia speciosa. The most numerous plant family was Fabaceae. These trees typically had a height of less than 10 m, with a DBH of less than 20 cm. Many streets did not guarantee the distance between trees and infrastructure, particularly the distance to the electrical systems. The survey also showed that the majority of trees were healthy and grow healthily. From the current situation of Thu Duc city street trees, three solutions must be prioritized in order to improve street trees in this city.

Root carboxylate release is common in phosphorus-limited forest ecosystems in China: using leaf manganese concentration as a proxy

Abstract Background and aims Certain plant species release root carboxylates in response to phosphorus (P) limitation; however, the prevalence of root exudate release in species in P-limited forest ecosystems remains unexplored due to challenges in field assessment. Methods Manganese (Mn) accumulation in mature leaves can indicate the presence of root carboxylate exudates in rhizosphere soil. To account for environmental factors such as soil pH, a negative reference species that does not release carboxylates is used for comparison. In this study, we assessed multiple forest stands across soil types and different levels of P availability in northern (Gansu) and southern (Guangxi) China. Leaf and soil samples were collected from 188 plant families representing various life forms, and leaf Mn concentration ([Mn]) was analyzed as a proxy for root carboxylate exudation patterns, using Dryopteridaceae as a negative reference. Results The results supported our hypotheses that leaf [Mn] was higher in P-limited forests of southern China compared to P-richer forests of northern China, even though the soil [Mn] was higher in the forests of northern China. Additionally, we observed a higher prevalence of species with high leaf [Mn] across various plant families in Guangxi (82%) than in Gansu (42%). Conclusion Our findings suggest a potential common strategy among plants in Guangxi forests, where root exudates are released in response to P limitation, possibly due to ineffective mycorrhizal symbiosis for nutrient acquisition. The diverse forest systems in China exhibit varying soil P availability, leading to the evolution of plant species with distinct P-acquisition strategies.

Two new species of Ganoderma (Ganodermataceae, Basidiomycota) from Southwest China

Ganoderma is a large and diverse genus containing fungi that cause white rot to infect a number of plant families. This study describes G. phyllanthicola and G. suae as new species from Southwest China, based on morphological and molecular evidence. Ganoderma phyllanthicola is characterized by dark brown to purplish black pileus surface with dense concentric furrows, pale yellow margin, irregular pileipellis cells, small pores (5–7 per mm) and ellipsoid to sub-globose basidiospores (8.5–10.0 × 6.0–7.5 µm). Ganoderma suae is characterized by reddish brown to oxblood red pileus surface and lead gray to greyish-white pore surface, heterogeneous context, wavy margin and almond-shaped to narrow ellipsoid basidiospores (8.0–10.5 × 5.0–7.0 μm). The phylogeny of Ganoderma is reconstructed with multi-gene sequences: the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), the large subunit (nrLSU), translation elongation factor 1-α gene (TEF-1α) and the second subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2). The results show that G. suae and G. phyllanthicola formed two distinct line-ages within Ganoderma. Descriptions, illustrations and phylogenetic analyses results of the two new species are presented.

Evidence of introduced honeybees (Apis mellifera) as pollen wasters in orchid pollination

Biological invasions threaten global biodiversity, altering landscapes, ecosystems, and mutualistic relationships like pollination. Orchids are one of the most threatened plant families, yet the impact of invasive bees on their reproduction remains poorly understood. We conduct a global literature survey on the incidence of invasive honeybees (Apis mellifera) on orchid pollination, followed by a study case on Australian orchids. Our literature survey shows that Apis mellifera is the primary alien bee visiting orchids worldwide. However, in most cases, introduced honeybees do not deposit orchid pollen. We also test the extent to which introduced honeybees affect orchid pollination using Diuris brumalis and D. magnifica. Diuris brumalis shows higher fruit set and pollination in habitats with both native and invasive bees compared to habitats with only introduced bees. Male and female reproductive success in D. magnifica increases with native bee abundance, while conversely pollinator efficiency decreases with honeybee abundance and rises with habitat size. Our results suggest that introduced honeybees are likely involved in pollen removal but do not effectively deposit orchid pollen, acting as pollen wasters. However, Apis mellifera may still contribute to pollination of Diuris where native bees no longer exist. Given the global occurrence of introduced honeybees, we warn that certain orchids may suffer from pollen depletion by these invaders, especially in altered habitats with compromised pollination communities.

Survey of Wild Fruits Consumed by Animals in the Forest Block of Ubangi Eco-region, Democratic Republic of the Congo

An ethnobotanical survey was carried out in Gbado-Lite city (Province of North Ubangi) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, among 74 hunters and bushmeat sellers in order to inventory the wild fruits consumed by animals in the forest block of the Ubangi eco-region. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire containing questions that could provide information on each plant species and its main consumers. The results reveal that the majority (41.8%) of respondents live in the Kaya neighborhood. 27% of female informants live in the Mbanza neighborhood, 10.8% in the Pangoma neighborhood, and 9.7% in the Lite neighborhood. The majority of respondents were men (89.1%), while women accounted for only 10.9%. As for marital status, married people (70.2%) and widowers (14.8%) are the most represented. Hunting and the sale of bushmeat (44.5%) and agriculture (41.8%) are the main activities carried out by the respondents. The diversity of the wild flora is composed of 19 species of fruit plants, distributed in 19 genera and 16 botanical families. The main families of wild fruit plants consumed by wildlife are Malvaceae, Meliaceae, and Urticaceae. As for the wildlife, the animals inventoried belong to five classes, mammals (76.9%), Reptilia (7.8%), Aves (7.8%,) and Polyplacophara (7.8%). The fauna studied is composed of 12 families of wild animals, the most abundant of which are Bovidae (27.5%), and Nesonyidae (10.0%). It is necessary that chemical and pharmacological studies be carried out on these plant taxa in order to evaluate their medicinal and food values. The domestication of these plant species should be part of the subsequent studies to ensure the sustainability of the wild fauna. Thus, the integration of local wild edible fruit plants into agroforestry systems is the best solution to combat their disappearance in the Ubangi ecoregion, which is faced with traditional slash-and-burn agriculture.

The Apocynaceae TEN (Taxonomic Expert Network)

AbstractUsing the Apocynaceae as an example, the present paper demonstrates how the new tool Rhakhis highlights taxonomic problems in a large vascular plant family and, at the same time, invites specialists in the family to solve these problems with the aim of producing an up‐to‐date taxonomy. This taxonomy can then be used to estimate species and genus numbers, thus approaching the goal of completing our picture of the diversity surrounding us and providing a solid basis for science and conservation. The most recent estimates for genus and species number in the Apocynaceae are provided.

Eco-evolutionary processes shaping floral nectar sugar composition

Floral nectar sugar composition is assumed to reflect the nutritional demands and foraging behaviour of pollinators, but the relative contributions of evolutionary and abiotic factors to nectar sugar composition remain largely unknown across the angiosperms. We compiled a comprehensive dataset on nectar sugar composition for 414 insect-pollinated plant species across central Europe, along with phylogeny, paleoclimate, flower morphology, and pollinator dietary demands, to disentangle their relative effects. We found that phylogeny was strongly related with nectar sucrose content, which increased with the phylogenetic age of plant families, but even more strongly with historic global surface temperature. Nectar sugar composition was also defined by floral morphology, though it was not related to our functional measure of pollinator dietary demands. However, specialist pollinators of current plant-pollinator networks predominantly visited plant species with sucrose-rich nectar. Our results suggest that both physiological mechanisms related to plant water balance and evolutionary effects related to paleoclimatic changes have shaped floral nectar sugar composition during the radiation and specialisation of plants and pollinators. As a consequence, the high velocity of current climate change may affect plant-pollinator interaction networks due to a conflicting combination of immediate physiological responses and phylogenetic conservatism.

Apoptotic chromatin condensation inducer in the nucleus: Genome-wide analysis in plants and expression profile during Cowpea Severe Mosaic Virus infection in Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp

Apoptotic Chromatin Condensation Inducer in the Nucleus (ACIN1) is a scaffold protein that was first described as a complex component responsible for triggering apoptosis in human cells. In plants, ACIN1 participates in silencing of Flowering Locus C (FLC), involved in vernalization in Arabidopsis thaliana. Contrary to what has been observed for humans, there are no reports on ACIN1 linked to programmed cell death (PCD) in plants. Actually, the function of ACIN1 in plants is still poorly understood. In the present study, a genome-wide analysis of the ACIN1 gene family in plants identified 27 ACIN1 orthologs from 19 species belonging to 12 plant families. The phylogenetic relationships, physicochemical properties, gene structure, conserved motifs, promoter cis-elements, chromosomal localization, syntenic regions, and protein network were investigated. Altogether, these analyzes revealed highly conserved domains in the structure of the ACIN1 proteins, as well as putative metacaspase cleavage sites, which suggest that they play a conserved function probably associated with the programmed cell death in plants. For instance, differential expression pattern and modulation of ACIN1 were noticed after inoculation of cowpea with Cowpea severe mosaic virus (CPSMV). Therefore, this study was conducted to provide, for the first time, information on the evolutionary, structural, and functional characteristics of the ACIN1 gene family as an initial effort towards understanding the role of these proteins in studied plant development and stress responses.