Plant Organs Research Articles

Exploring the Potential of Macroalgae for Sustainable Crop Production in Agriculture.

Marine macroalgae, which typically colonize coastal areas, are simple plant organisms. They live on rocks in coastal regions and are classified into red, brown, and green macroalgae. These algae are an important natural resource in agriculture due to their ability to enhance the structural, chemical, and biological properties of soil. Marine macroalgae can be used to produce various biocidal molecules that are effective in controlling plant pathogens. Much of the literature on marine macroalgae and their derivatives focuses primarily on the pharmaceutical field, while their use in agriculture is still considered secondary. However, various studies and experiments have demonstrated their potential to play a significant role in crop protection and enhancement. This review aims to highlight the various applications of macroalgae in plant production. It also emphasizes the biotechnological importance of marine macroalgae derivatives as biofertilizers, molecules for controlling insects and microorganisms, and as plant growth conditioners. Compounds from macroalgae, such as fatty acids, carotenoids, polyphenols, and carbohydrates, are being investigated for their fungicidal, antimicrobial, and antiviral effects against various plant pathogens. Beyond enhancing crop production, macroalgae can also be considered multifunctional bioinoculants suitable for use in organic farming.

Efficacy of Bacillus spp. Isolates for Application as Biofertilizer in Tomato (Solanum lycospersicum L.) Cultivation

Certain species of Bacillus are considered rhizobacteria that promote plant growth, inhibit the growth of plant pathogens and deleterious rhizospheric microorganisms. The aim of this study was to determine the stimulatory effect of Bacillus subtilis KBM1 and Bacillus venezensis KBM1 on the growth and disease reduction of tomato plants in Côte d'Ivoire. In this respect, three substrates consisting of soil only, sawdust only and a mixture of soil and sawdust were inoculated with the two bacteria, then left to ferment for twenty-four (24) hours. The biofertilizers obtained after fermentation were used to assess their effects on the development of potted tomatoes. Growth parameters, infection rate and mortality rate of tomato plants were measured regularly during 6 weeks of cultivation. A search for tomato pathogenic fungi was carried out to demonstrate the efficacy of Bacillus strains isolates on plant health. The results obtained showed that Bacillus subtilis KBM1 and Bacillus venezensis KBM1 had a positive impact on plant growth of tomato plants grown. Infection and mortality rates of 0% were observed for tomato plants grown on the three substrates inoculated with these two bacteria. No pathogenic fungi were isolated from the organs of tomato plants grown on the three substrates fermented with the bacteria. However, on untreated control plants, a variety of pathogenic fungi, namely Fusarium sp, Phytophtora sp, Cladosporium sp, Rhizoctonia sp, Colletotrichum sp, Penicillium sp, Rhizopus sp and Trichoderma sp were observed. However, the Bacillus subtilis KBM1 treatment stood out from Bacillus venezensis KBM1 with the best results for the growth parameters measured. In view of these results, these two bacteria could be used to produce an effective biofertilizer for tomato cultivation in Côte d'Ivoire.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal and aromatic plants commonly used in the daily life of the populations of the Moroccan Middle Atlas: results of pharmacy surveys

Abstract This in-depth ethnobotanical study was conducted specifically in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco to document and analyze the use of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) among local populations suffering from various chronic conditions. This survey involved 99 participants with gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, endocrine, urinary, gynecological, or similar diseases. The main objective was to draw up a complete inventory of the MAPs used, detailing their therapeutic indications and identifying any adverse effects associated with their use, whether through misapplication, overdosing, or interaction with other drugs taken by the patients. In the present, twenty MAPs species belonging to twelve distinct botanical families were identified. Among these plants, oregano (Origanum compactum) from the Lamiaceae family is the most widely used species, with a frequency of over 30%. Leaves were the most commonly used plant organ in traditional recipes (60.6%), whereas decoction was the most predominant preparation method (51.5%). This survey was conducted using questionnaires distributed in some pharmacies, and provided valuable data on MAP use practices, highlighting the predominance of certain plant species, their main therapeutic indications, and the preparation methods preferred by the Middle Atlas inhabitants to treat their ailments.

Optimization of vegetation carbon content parameters and their application in carbon storage estimation in China

As a key parameter for C pool and flux assessments, vegetation carbon (C) content can be used in ecological models to predict climate-induced changes in the C sequestration capacity of vegetation. However, the differences in methods for upscaling C content from the organ to the community scale and their impact on regional C stock estimates have been ignored. Based on a comprehensive community structure survey of 72 typical natural ecosystems in China and 27,905 measured samples of plant organs (leaves, twigs, trunks, and roots), we first quantified the differences among scaling-up methods for vegetation C content. These methods included the community or dominant species-weighted mean, geometric mean, arithmetic mean, and traditional empirical coefficients (45 % and 50 %), and their impact on C storage estimation at the regional scale. Comparing the accuracy, variability, and response patterns of the different scaling-up methods, the dominant C species biomass-weighted mean (CDWM) method had the highest similarity to the community-weighted C mean (CCWM) method. Concerning vegetation C storage estimation in China's natural terrestrial ecosystems, the relative errors of the other methods ranged from −2.6 % to 8.22 % compared with that of the CCWM method (18.39 Pg C). The empirical coefficients had the highest uncertainty, with a 45 % empirical coefficient underestimating the vegetation C stock by 2.60 %, and a 50 % empirical coefficient overestimating it by 8.22 %. The CDWM method proposed here has high reliability for C storage estimation (overestimated by only 0.44 %), making it a preferable sampling and scaling-up method for regional C content and stock assessment. Additionally, our study provided the C content of plant organs for China's provinces and typical vegetation types based on the CCWM, which could be used for regional C stock assessment and C cycle models.

Integrated physiological, transcriptomic and rhizospheric microbial community analysis unveil the high tolerance of woody bamboo Dendrocalamus brandisii under cadmium toxicity

Cadmium (Cd) can disrupt the physiological functions of plants and affect the soil microenvironment. Previous studies have demonstrated the strong Cd tolerance of woody bamboo species, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Dendrocalamus brandisii is a famous woody bamboo produces highly valued bamboo shoots in SW China and Southeast Asia. To analyze D. brandisii's tolerance mechanisms to Cd stress, changes in physiology, gene expression, and rhizosphere microbial structure were analyzed in a simulated pot experiment, by exposing D. brandisii to different Cd concentrations. According to the results, the roots are the main sites for Cd accumulation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated that excess Cd induced damage to plant organ cell ultrastructure, as chloroplast structural abnormalities and deformations in cell walls. Based on transcriptome analysis, some key DEGs and their involved pathways, such as metal transporters were identified to perform crucial roles in Cd tolerance. In addition, Cd significantly affects soil pH and further influences microbial community structure. Under Cd stress, the increased abundance of Proteobacteria and Ascomycota likely facilitated Cd tolerance in D. brandisii. Overall, the physiological characteristics of D. brandisii and beneficial rhizospheric microbes may improve the Cd tolerance in this bamboo, implying woody bamboos are a promising environment-restoration plant. These results provide important information for further research on multifunctional genes of Cd tolerance and selective changes in rhizosphere microbial communities.

Positive properties of a biological preparation based on the consortium genus bacillus

Abstract An experiment to study the use of a biological preparation was carried out on spring wheat in plot experiments in the conditions of the northern forest-steppe. A fungicidal seed protectant, a bacterial preparation BP (Bacillus simplex / B. Megaterium consortium, secondary metabolites, titer 108 Coe/ml), Biocoal were studied. When treating seeds, plant development was 7 days higher than control when using BP at a rate of 2.5 l/t, where an increase in sprout length by 1.25 cm was noted. When applying the drug to day-old seedlings, the use of BP variants in pure form and with biochar at a rate of 5.0 l/t had a greater effect with an increase in the length of the sprout by 3.2-4.2 cm, a decrease in the population of pathogenic fungi in seeds at the level of 60%, stimulating effect on root length by 1.7 cm, sprout length by 1.5 cm and germination by 6-8%. The use of a bacterial preparation during seed treatment did not affect the reduction of crop root disease. Measuring plant development parameters in the tillering phase, BP with a rate of 1.5 l/t had a greater effect on the length of the upper leaf, exceeding the control by 1-2 cm. The development of morphometric parameters of the flag leaf in the filling phase - milky ripeness had a leaf length of 18-23 cm with a width of 1.0-1.2 cm, with an increase at BP rates of 2.5-5.0 l/t. For seed treatment options, the impact at this stage is minimal or absent. Taking into account biometric indicators of the mass of formed plant organs showed an excess of indicators for BP options in pure form and with biochar at a rate of 5.0 l/t when treating seeds and using them during the growing season. Structural analysis of the ear determined a significant excess of the results of the preparations used during the growing season; the weight of 1000 grains was higher by 2-3 g when the seeds were treated with a chemical disinfectant and using BP at rates of 2.5-5.0 l/t. The crop yield increased by 0.1 t/ha in variants with a rate of bacterial preparation BP of 2.5-5.0 l/t in its pure form.

Roles of Histone Acetylation and Deacetylation in Root Development

Roots are usually underground plant organs, responsible for anchoring to the soil, absorbing water and nutrients, and interacting with the rhizosphere. During root development, roots respond to a variety of environmental signals, contributing to plant survival. Histone post-translational modifications play essential roles in gene expression regulation, contributing to plant responses to environmental cues. Histone acetylation is one of the most studied post-translational modifications, regulating numerous genes involved in various biological processes, including development and stress responses. Although the effect of histone acetylation on plant responses to biotic and abiotic stimuli has been extensively reviewed, no recent reviews exist focusing on root development regulation by histone acetylation. Therefore, this review brings together all the knowledge about the impact of histone acetylation on root development in several plant species, mainly focusing on Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we summarize the role of histone acetylation and deacetylation in numerous aspects of root development, such as stem cell niche maintenance, cell division, expansion and differentiation, and developmental zone determination. We also emphasize the gaps in current knowledge and propose new perspectives for research toward deeply understanding the role of histone acetylation in root development.

Differential growth is an emergent property of mechanochemical feedback mechanisms in curved plant organs.

Differential growth is central to eukaryotic morphogenesis. We showed using cellular imaging, simulations, and perturbations that light-induced differential growth in a curved organ, the Arabidopsis thaliana apical hook, emerges from the longitudinal expansion of subepidermal cells, acting in parallel with a differential in the material properties of epidermal cell walls that resist expansion. The greater expansion of inner hook cells that results in apical hook opening is gated by wall alkalinity and auxin, both of which are depleted upon illumination. We further identified mechanochemical feedback from wall mechanics to light stimulated auxin depletion, which may contribute to gating hook opening under mechanical restraint. These results highlight how plant cells coordinate growth among tissue layers by linking mechanics and hormonal gradients with the cell wall remodeling required for differential growth.

Morphological, histological and transcriptomic mechanisms underlying different fruit shapes in Capsicum spp.

Pepper (Capsicum spp.) has a long domestication history and has accumulated diverse fruit shape variations. The illustration of the mechanisms underlying different fruit shape is not only important for clarifying the regulation of pepper fruit development but also critical for fully understanding the plant organ morphogenesis. Thus, in this study, morphological, histological and transcriptional investigations have been performed on pepper accessions bearing fruits with five types of shapes. From the results it can be presumed that pepper fruit shape was determined during the developmental processes before and after anthesis, and the anthesis was a critical developmental stage for fruit shape determination. Ovary shape index variations of the studied accessions were mainly due to cell number alterations, while, fruit shape index variations were mainly attributed to the cell division and cell expansion variations. As to the ovary wall thickness and pericarp thickness, they were regulated by both cell division in the abaxial-adaxial direction and cell expansion in the proximal-distal and medio-lateral directions. Transcriptional analysis discovered that the OFP-TRM and IQD-CaM pathways may be involved in the regulation of the slender fruit shape and the largest ovary wall cell number in the blocky-shaped accession can be attributed to the higher expression of CYP735A1, which may lead to an increased cytokinin level. Genes related to development, cell proliferation/division, cytoskeleton, and cell wall may also contribute to the regulation of helical growth in pepper. The insights gained from this study are valuable for further investigations into pepper fruit shape development.

Analysis of the Application of Vitamin B1 on the Response of Salinity Stress Resistance in Several Varieties of Rice (Oryza Sativa L.)

One of the most common stresses in rice cultivation is salinity. Rice plants stressed by salinity exhibit changes such as yellowing leaves, drying tips, and chlorosis. The efforts made by the government and farmers so far include implementing cultivation scheduling techniques, planting patterns, and using stress-resistant varieties, as well as improving soil to increase water-holding capacity through lime application. Each of these efforts comes with its own risks. Another approach to enhance the growth and yield of rice plants is the application of vitamins. Providing vitamins can stimulate the growth of plant organs, as they play a crucial role in the growth process by acting as catalysts for metabolism. Research has indicated that vitamin B1 can significantly promote plant growth under stressful conditions. This study aims to investigate the positive effects of various concentrations of vitamin B1 on the growth and yield of rice plants while also reducing salinity stress. The method used involved planting three varieties of rice—IR-46, Inpari-32, and Pokkali—in planting buckets using the TABELA system. Vitamin B1 was applied at concentrations of 0, 5, and 10 mM during the peak vegetative phase, with salinity stress of 6 dS/m introduced one day after vitamin application. The plants were maintained under salinity stress conditions until harvest, during which morphological and phytochemical analyses were conducted. Morphological analysis included measurements of plant height, number of tillers, number of productive tillers, number of grains per panicle, and percentage of healthy grains. Biochemical parameters measured included total chlorophyll and electrolyte leakage analysis. The results indicate that vitamin B1 can effectively reduce stress in plants affected by salinity.

Evaluation of the Secondary Metabolites and Bioactivity of South African Bulbine Natalensis Under Simultaneous Elevated Carbon Dioxide and Temperatures

The secondary metabolism in medicinal plants are responsible for their protection against environmental factors and the health-promoting benefits they provide to users. The purpose of this study was to assess the responses of the secondary metabolic system of B. natalensis and its influence on the antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The phytochemical analyses, antioxidant and antibacterial assays were conducted from using harvested leaves, underground stems and roots from whole plants exposed to simultaneous elevated CO2 and temperatures over eight days in a heatwave simulation. Most of the phytochemical groups were present in the leaves, however majority of the tested compounds had consistent presence throughout the plants in all treatments. The underground stems possessed a greater total phenolic, tannin and proanthocyanidin contents than the leaves and roots under elevated CO2 and temperatures. The leaves had a comparatively better antioxidant activity from the treatment than control. Overall, there was consistency in the antibacterial activity in both control and experimental conditions. The tannins and phenolics had greater concentrations throughout the plants under elevated conditions overall, which could indicate their leading role in plant defence and the improvement and maintenance of the medicinal activity of B. natalensis. The responses of the plant parts of B. natalensis under elevated CO2 and temperatures provides newfound insights on the physiological roles plant organs play on the overall productivity and medicinal activity of the species.

Differential growth and shape formation of a flower-shaped structure

Morphogenesis, which is a complex interplay of biological, chemical, and physical processes, facilitates differential growth in various biological systems, particularly in plant organs, such as petals and leaves. Although recent studies have increasingly delved into the mechanical aspects of these biological structures, there remains a lack of a comprehensive quantitative understanding of shape formation induced by differential growth in plant organs. Thus, this study addressed this gap by employing a multifaceted approach encompassing theoretical analyses and comprehensive finite element analysis of the effect of differential growth on the shape of a cylinder into a flower shape. Based on the derivation of the strain energy expressions for the axisymmetric and asymmetric configurations, the shape function of the growing flower-like structures were calculated through mathematical optimization. The findings of this study shed light on the influence of the growth function, geometric characteristics, and material properties. As the wave number increased, the final configuration tended to have smaller waves, whereas a longer cylinder buckled more easily and the thickness had a minimal effect. This study offers insights that can pave the way for innovative geometrical designs, thereby providing inspiration for applications on both micro-and macroscales, such as in the realms of self-assembly of soft robotics and flexible electronics.

Long-term effects of silver nanoparticles and mineral nutrition components on the photosynthetic processes, chloroplast ultrastructure and productivity of Solanum lycopersicum plants

The effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), both alone and in combination with mineral nutrients, on the growth and photosynthesis of Solanum lycopersicum plants during ontogeny were studied. The experiment involved weekly applications of 10 μmol of AgNPs for 15 weeks in a greenhouse over a summer period. A comprehensive characterization of the AgNPs was performed via TEM, ESI/EELS, and zeta potential measurements before and throughout the experiment. The activity of PSII, stomatal conductivity, photosynthesis, transpiration and respiration rates were measured, and the photosynthetic pigments, chloroplast ultrastructure, and dry and fresh masses of leaves, roots, and fruits were assessed. The results indicated that combining AgNPs with mineral nutrients increased PSII activity and the photosynthesis rate and altered the chloroplast ultrastructure. However, the use of mineral nutrients or AgNPs alone did not induce these changes. Atomic absorption spectrometry detected AgNPs in all the plant organs except the fruits. The highest fruit yield was associated with Veni Prisma®, a commercial product containing colloidal silver, which also caused desynchronized fruit maturation. This study hypothesizes that the synergistic effect of AgNPs and mineral nutrients enhances silver accumulation in chloroplasts, improving light utilization and photosynthetic efficiency, particularly under low light, thus increasing fruit quantity and dry mass. Conversely, long-term use of AgNPs alone was accompanied by silver accumulation outside the chloroplasts and did not lead to increased photosynthesis or an increase in fresh fruit mass.

Thiourea Supplementation Improves Drought Stress Response of Ridge‐Sown and Mulch‐Applied Rainfed Maize (Zea mays L.) via Improved Leaf Source to Grain Sink Dynamics

ABSTRACTIn regions of South Asia where rainfed maize is grown, effective crop management during drought is essential for maximising yield. A variety of water‐conserving planting practices are used, and more recently, techniques such as foliar supplementation to maintain nutrients during drought have also shown promise. However, specific combinations of these approaches are often untested for optimality. Here, we explore the effects of two maize planting practices (ridge sowing and mulching) to conserve water, in combination with foliar thiourea. Drought stress response of crop was assessed at two experimental sites (L‐I and L‐II), through split‐plot design (main plots: flat sowing + mulch, flat sowing, ridge sowing + mulch [RS + M] and ridge sowing; sub‐plots: unsprayed, water spray, 500 ppm thiourea and 1000 ppm thiourea). Plant performance was assessed via dry matter accumulation, grain growth rate, stomatal parameters, grain yield, stover yield and nitrogen uptake. Rainfall breaks induced three dry spells during the pre‐anthesis and grain‐filling period. RS + M showed maximum drought tolerance by enhancing rainwater and nutrient use (N uptake [88.1 and 115.1 kg ha−1]) and recorded significantly higher periodic dry matter accumulation (149.2 and 156.8 g) along with higher 1000‐grain weight (181.0 and 196.6 g), grain‐filling duration (36.3 and 34.9 days) and leaf health parameters over the flat‐sown treatments. Furthermore, foliar supplementation of thiourea at 1000 ppm caused improved leaf health, likely through activation of a source to sink response (transfer of energy and materials from leaves to other plant organs) that alleviated moisture stress. Ultimately, the combination of RS + M and 1000 ppm thiourea led to the highest grain yields (32.1 and 39.5 qha−1).

The Effect of Heavy Metals in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Genotypes for Some Physiological Parameters

The main aim of this study is to identify physiological characteristics, including Chl a, b, total Chl "a+b" and carotenoids, in potato genotypes under the influence of lead (Pb+2) and cadmium (Cd+2) heavy metals. Two potato genotypes from the Netherlands, Riviera and Agria, were used in the study. Potato tubers were transferred to 2 kg compost pots and placed in a controlled environment with a 12 photoperiod, a day/night temperature of 25/19°C and a relative humidity of 75%. Since Pb+2 and Cd+2 poisoning was greater than in the control and different fractions of heavy metal residues in the substrate were transferred to plant organs, the amounts of these two metals in each treatment (outside the control) were measured. Plant pigments were extracted from fresh leaves in amounts ranging from 60 to 100 mg and these were then extracted into samples containing 80/20% (v/v) acetone/water with 0.5% w/v MgCO3 at room temperature for a full day. Photosynthetic pigments of each sample were extracted three times. The absorbances obtained at 663 nm, 644 nm and 452.5 nm for the maximum absorption of Chl a, Chl b and carotenoids, respectively, were used to measure the amount of chlorophyll and carotenoids. Differences between Pb+2 and Cd+2 and physiological markers were examined with the Duncan Multiple Range test. Information on Pb+2 and Cd+2 content in applications revealed wide variability. When potato genotype seedlings were exposed to varying levels of Pb+2 and Cd+2, the amount of chlorophyll and carotenoids in their leaves was lower than the control group. The results showed that there were significant and statistically significant changes in carotenoid and chlorophyll concentration at the LSD p = 0.01 level. Similar to Pb+2 and Cd+2 inhibiting plant growth, it had a negative effect on photosynthesis as well as chlorophyll and carotenoid contents. Moreover, these effects became more pronounced when the concentrations of two stress factors (Pb+2 and Cd+2) increased.

The effect of chemical fertilizers on the quantitative and qualitative yield of oregano (Origanum vulgare L) plant

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of NPK fertilizer on marjoram plant for two years (2017 and 2018). Various levels of nitrogen (0, 50 and 100 kg/ha), potash (0, 40 and 80 kg/ha), and phosphorus (0 and 30 kg/ha) fertilizers were applied. The results revealed that the use of NPK fertilizers significantly increased the dry weight of the aerial parts (leaves, inflorescences, and whole aerial parts) of the marjoram plant. In the first year, the dry weight of the whole shoot increased by 82 to 124 g/m2, and in the second year, it increased by 82 to 129 g/m2. Moreover, regarding essential oil concentration, this parameter in inflorescence ranged from 2.38% to 3.66% in the first year, while in the second year, it ranged from 3.02% to 4.14%. Notably, the inflorescence had a higher essential oil concentration compared to the leaves. The study also found that the use of NPK fertilizer at a ratio of 100:20:40 kg/ha resulted in the highest percentage of essential oil in the aerial. Conversely, the control treatment led to a decrease in essential oil yield. Among the essential oil compounds, Carvacrol and p-Cymene were the predominant components, with concentrations ranging from 49.36% to 60.32% and 2.03% to 4.56%, respectively, in various marjoram plant organs.

Positive contribution of shoot apex to the growth and flooding tolerance of Hemarthria altissima upon complete submergence

ABSTRACT Flooding events tend to destroy the original flood-intolerant vegetation in riparian zones, but the flood-tolerant species can confront the stress, and contribute to the riparian ecosystem. Grass species, Hemarthria altissima, are usually dominant in the riparian zones. This species is considered as good forage which is usually grazed by livestock or mowed by local people. Therefore, the apical tissues of the plants are often removed, and the plants have to grow without stem apexes, during their life cycle. In this study, we aimed to examine the differences in growth performance of intact versus apex-cut individuals of H. altissima upon complete submergence. Two groups of H. altissima plants (with and without shoot apexes) were treated with dark non-submergence and dark complete submergence conditions for 200 days. During the experiment, we measured plant growth, biomass changes in plant organs, and the consumption of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) by different tissues. During submergence, shoot elongation stopped, and around six lateral buds were developed averagely by each plant without apexes. This growth performance finally caused 60% decline of NSC in underground parts. The relatively intensive consumption of carbohydrates in submerged apex-removed plants induced the 21% stem length decreased under water, which indicated the decreasing submergence tolerance of plants with shoot apex removed. Therefore, we suggest that when using H. altissima for restoring degraded riparian ecosystems, the shoot apexes should be protected from grazing by livestock or harvesting by local people in order to maintain the submergence tolerance of H. altissima.

Spatio-Temporal Variations of Volatile Metabolites as an Eco-Physiological Response of a Native Species in the Tropical Forest.

This study evaluates the essential oil (EO) composition of Piper rivinoides Kunth, a shrub native to the Brazilian tropical rainforest, across different plant parts and developmental phases. The aim was to explore the chemical diversity of EO and its reflection in the plant's ecological interactions and adaptations. Plant organs (roots, stems, branches, and leaves) at different developmental phases were subjected to hydrodistillation followed by chemical analysis using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID). The results revealed a relevant variation in EO yield and composition among different plant parts and developmental phases. Leaves showed the highest yield and chemical diversity, with α-pinene and β-pinene as major constituents, while roots and stems were characterized by a predominance of arylpropanoids, particularly apiol. The chemical diversity in leaves increased with plant maturity, indicating a dynamic adaptation to environmental interactions. The study underscores the importance of considering the ontogeny of plant parts in understanding the ecological roles and potential applications of P. rivinoides in medicine and agriculture. The findings contribute to the overall knowledge of Piperaceae chemodiversity and ecological adaptations, offering insights into the plant's interaction with its environment and its potential uses based on chemical composition.

Tissue-specific accumulation of PIP aquaporins of a particular heteromeric composition is part of the maize response to mycorrhiza and drought

The systemic coordination of accumulation of plasma membrane aquaporins (PIP) was investigated in this study in relation to mycorrhized maize response to a rapid development of severe drought followed by rewatering. In non-mycorrhizal roots, drought led to a drop in PIP abundance, followed by a transient increase under rewatering, whereas leaves showed an opposite pattern. In contrast, mycorrhiza contributed to maintenance of high and stable levels of PIPs in both plant organs after an initial increase, prolonged over the irrigation period. Isoelectric focusing electrophoresis resolved up to 13 aquaporin complexes with highly reproducible pl positions across leaf and root samples, symbiotic and non-symbiotic, stressed or not. Mass spectrometry recognized in leaves and roots a different ratio of PIP1 and PIP2 subunits within 2D spots that accumulated the most. Regardless of symbiotic status, drought regulation of aquaporins in roots was manifested as the prevalence of complexes that comprise almost exclusively PIP2 monomers. In contrast, the leaf response involved enrichment in PIP1s. PIP1s are thought to enhance water transport, facilitate CO2 diffusion but also affect stomatal movements. These features, together with elevated aquaporin levels, might explain a stress tolerance mechanism observed in mycorrhizal plants, resulting in faster recovery of stomatal water conductance and CO2 assimilation rate after drought.

Morphological and Anatomical Characteristics of the Species Paliurus spina-christi

In plants and all living beings, the fundamental influence comes from ecological factors that operate simultaneously and in a complex manner. The influence of these factors is expressed in the morphological and anatomical features of the vegetative organs of plants, especially the leaves, which are among the most delicate organs where a series of adaptations occur. Although biological science today recognizes approximately 500,000 plant species, they differ from each other morphologically, anatomically, and genetically because they live in different life conditions and circumstances. Understanding the morphological‒anatomical characteristics of plants is highly important for determining their taxonomic and ecological adaptability. This connection between the morphological-anatomical structure of vegetative organs, especially leaves, and external factors has been addressed by many authors: Lakusiç (1962), Greb (1957), Pavlov (1965), Hoxha (1995), Mustafa (1995), and others. To obtain a clearer picture of the impact of ecological factors on the morphological and anatomical characteristics of vegetative organs of plants, we conducted research on the anatomical structure of leaves from different insertions: upper (E) and middle (M) of the plant species Pailurus spina Christi.