Plant Species Research Articles

Why can Palhinhaea cernua (lycophyte) grow closer to fumaroles in highly acidic solfatara fields?

Palhinhaea cernua, a lycophyte, and Dicranopteris linearis, a fern, are commonly observed in solfatara fields in Kyushu, Japan, but their distribution trends are different. The aim of this study was to determine why P. cernua is more abundant in areas closer to fumaroles from both a soil and plant perspective. Samples of P. cernua and D. linearis, as well as their respective growing soils, were collected, and the mineral properties, including the concentration of various mineral elements and inorganic anions and δ15N, were determined. P. cernua was better adapted to soil with lower pH, higher soluble aluminum concentrations, and poorer calcium and phosphorus concentrations than D. linearis. A positive correlation was observed between shoot nitrogen concentration and both shoot sulfur concentration and soil water-soluble sulfur concentration in P. cernua, implying the involvement of sulfur in nitrogen acquisition in P. cernua. The results also suggested that D. linearis mainly uses soil NO3-N, while P. cernua uses NH4-N, which is predominant and excessive in the solfatara fields, particularly near the fumaroles. This high preference for NH4-N in P. cernua was confirmed through a cultivation experiment. While D. linearis prefers NO3-N and distributes further from fumaroles, P. cernua may have survived in the solfatara fields by utilizing NH4-N and sulfur, which are abundant near fumaroles where competition from other plant species is minimal.

Urban environments increase generalization of hummingbird–plant networks across climate gradients

Urbanization has reshaped the distribution of biodiversity on Earth, but we are only beginning to understand its effects on ecological communities. While urbanization may have homogenization effects strong enough to blur the large-scale patterns in interaction networks, urban community patterns may still be associated with climate gradients reflecting large-scale biogeographical processes. Using 103 hummingbird-plant mutualistic networks across continental Americas, including 176 hummingbird and 1,180 plant species, we asked how urbanization affects species interactions over large climate gradients. Urban networks were more generalized, exhibiting greater interaction overlap. Higher generalization was also associated with lower precipitation in both urban and natural areas, indicating that climate affects networks irrespective of habitat type. Urban habitats also showed lower hummingbird functional trait diversity and over/underrepresentation of specific clades. From the plant side, urban communities had a higher prevalence of nonnative nectar plants, which were more frequently visited by the hummingbird species occurring in both urban and natural areas. Therefore, urbanization affected hummingbird-plant interactions through both the composition of species and traits, as well as floral resource availability. Taken together, we show that urbanization consistently modifies ecological communities and their interactions, but climate still plays a role in affecting the structure of these novel communities over the scale of continents.

The Effect of Sampling Schedule on Assessment of Dietary Measures: Evidence From Blue Monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis stuhlmanni).

Accurately assessing primate diets is important in studies of behavioral ecology and evolution. While previous research has compared sampling methods (scan, focal), we examined how sampling schedule influences accuracy of dietary measures. We define sampling schedule as the combined distribution (random vs. consecutive) and frequency of sampling days within a given month. Under field conditions, time may be required to locate a study group, and we therefore also subtracted 1, 2, or 3 h from the beginning of all non-consecutive days in each sampling schedule to mimic observation time lost to search. From a dense (near daily) 5-year record of feeding behavior derived from focal animal follows of adult females in five wild blue monkey (Cercopithecus mitis) groups, we created data subsets matching various sampling schedules, and compared monthly dietary measures calculated from each subset to those based on the full data set. These measures included (1) the proportion of observation time feeding on fruit, (2) diet composition (three top-ranked food items), (3) species richness of plant diet, (4) Shannon-Wiener diversity index based on plant species, and (5) Holmes-Pitelka index expressing dietary overlap with the previous month. We used generalized linear mixed models to assess how frequency and sampling type (a combination of distribution and hours lost) relate to a subset's deviation from the full data set, where a smaller deviation (or higher chance of matching, for diet composition) implies greater accuracy. For all dietary measures, increasing observation frequency increased accuracy. The response to distribution varied among measures, but sampling types generally differed more at lower frequencies. Deviation varied widely within and between dietary measures, and some sampling schedules resulted in values with large percentage differences from the "full" data. Accordingly, when designing and comparing studies, researchers should consider how sampling schedules may influence the accuracy of the dietary measures of interest.

Geography of Distribution of Malus Varieties in Azerbaijan Depending on Soil

More than 6,000 plant species have been identified in the Caucasus, of which 4,200 species (70%) are common in Azerbaijan. 11% are trees and shrubs, and 9% are endemic plants. There are more than 280 local varieties and forms of apple trees in Azerbaijan. After the 1920s, the area of ​​fruit orchards in Azerbaijan was expanded to 21 thousand hectares due to local varieties, of which 13 thousand hectares (62%) were apple orchards. In 1926, the Azerbaijan Scientific Research Institute of Horticulture, Viticulture and Subtropical Plants was established in Azerbaijan with the aim of developing fruit growing. New varieties of apple trees are created through selection. Due to the newly created varieties through selection, apple orchards in Azerbaijan have significantly developed. In 1976, 13 thousand hectares of new industrial apple orchards were planted. Since 1982, the existing gene pool of apple trees has been studied.

Areas and Resources of the Satureja L. Genus in Nakhchivan (Azerbaijan)

The study of the habitats and resources of 4 species of Satureja: Satureja hortensis L., S. laxiflora K. Koch, S. macrantha C. A. Mey. and S. mutica Fisch. et C. A. Mey. from the Lamiaceae family being a valuable essential oil plant. S. macrantha previously, single specimens were found in the Kyzylkaya and Negram-Dorosham mountains. 2018 we managed to identify the mountains of Darydag of Julfa district. In 2018, we managed to develop the Darydag, then 4 new locations in Mamadein, Keleki, Damir and Lalali mountain in the Ordubad district (1400–2800 m). Here Satureja grandiflora forms hitherto undescribed formations and associations covering vast rocky areas. S. laxiflora and S. mutica are newly identified species. It has been established that this species is a spinning, essential oil, medicinal and anti-erosion plant. We studied environmental conditions, the role in the formation of rock-talus vegetation in the region, economic importance, rational use and protection. We recommend expedient, planned and reasonable use of natural resources, the species of Satureja laxiflora, S. grandiflora, will expand crops, plantations of the cultivated species S. hortensis L.

Responses of Legume‐Associated Rhizobacterial Communities to Plant Diversity and Soil Traits in Alpine Grassland

ABSTRACTLegume species are essential components of plant diversity and affect soil biodiversity across various ecosystems. Their effect on the diversity and traits of soil bacteria, particularly in degraded grasslands, remains unknown. This study analysed the relationships among plant diversity, soil traits and legume‐associated rhizobacterial communities in Xiahe (XH) and Maqu (MQ) in Gansu Province, Haibei (HB) in Qinghai Province and Hongyuan (HY) in Sichuan Province in the eastern Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau (QTP). The diversity index values (coverage, richness, Shannon index and evenness) of legume species were positively correlated with plant diversity. Several soil nutrients (ammonia‐nitrogen, nitrate‐nitrogen, total nitrogen, available potassium, available phosphorus and soil organic matter) and enzymes (urease, sucrase, peroxidase and dehydrogenase) were lower in HB and HY than in XH and MQ. The Shannon index for rhizobacterial diversity was higher in HB and HY than in XH and MQ. In contrast, the diversity index values were higher for geographical locations than for sympatric plant species. Additionally, HB and HY showed 50% fewer positive and negative associations with rhizobacteria than XH and MQ. Functional Annotation of Prokaryotic Taxa analysis indicated a higher relative abundance of nitrate reduction occurred in HB and HY than in XH and MQ, whereas nitrogen fixation occurred at a lower level in HB and HY than in XH and MQ. The Simpson index value for bacterial diversity was positively correlated with plant diversity, legume species diversity and soil multifunctionality. However, the Shannon index value was negatively correlated with these parameters. Changes in the composition of legume‐associated rhizobacteria across different geographical locations are strongly influenced by plant diversity and soil nutrients, reflecting the distribution characteristics of legumes in alpine grasslands.

Ecological Response of Forest Vegetation Communities to Snow Damage: A Meta-Analysis

Damage caused by snowfall can result in broken crowns and trunks and even lead to the uprooting of forest trees. Damage or death of forest trees creates forest gaps and alters overall forest demographics, but predicting the exact nature and influence of this damage remains challenging. In general, the effects of various biotic and abiotic factors on snow damage remain understudied. To address this gap in knowledge, we conducted a meta-analysis of existing literature, ultimately screening 38 manuscripts that describe 142 plant species. Our findings indicate that snow damage significantly reduced annual litterfall, Leaf Area Index, canopy density, abundance, and area at breast height when considering plant communities. However, snow damage also tended to significantly increase Shannon’s Diversity Index, Simpson’s Diversity Index, Pielou’s Evenness Index, and diameter at breast height. In addition, at the population level, snow damage was found to significantly reduce density, abundance, and annual litterfall while significantly increasing diameter at breast height. Further, the response of different forest vegetation community characteristics to snow damage is significantly influenced by factors such as forest type, elevation, slope, and aspect.

Sustainable intensification of livestock systems using forage legumes in the Anthropocene

AbstractSustainable intensification of livestock systems implies greater efficiency in resource utilization resulting in greater output of products and other ecosystem services per unit of resource input. Integrating forage legumes into livestock systems is a viable way to reduce the input of industrial N fertilizer, reducing the use of fossil fuels and helping to mitigate global warming, a major problem during the Anthropocene. Some forage legumes have greater concentrations of secondary compounds, such as condensed tannins, that might reduce the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) from ruminant eructation and excreta. Furthermore, forage legumes might enhance cattle performance because of greater nutritive value, resulting in greater production per unit of GHG released. Shortening the production cycle and improving cattle reproductive efficiency could have a major impact on reducing the overall carbon footprint of the system. Grazing systems with more diversified plant species are typically more resistant and resilient, adapting to current climate changes during the Anthropocene. Novel technologies might accelerate the development of future grazing systems using forage legumes as a key component. Breeding efforts for the next‐generation legumes must focus on adaptation and potential use for mitigation of negative environmental impacts. There are examples of successful integration of forage legumes into livestock systems in different regions of the world, with a major reduction in off‐farm inputs and maintaining the system productive. These successful examples could be used to increase adoption and improve the efficiency of current livestock systems.

Overview of plant species translocations in Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, 34 % of native plants and archaeophytes are considered threatened or regionally extinct. Species translocations have been implemented in Luxembourg for more than 25 years as a conservation strategy to counteract biodiversity loss. In this overview, we have compiled data on conservation actions implemented between 1997 and 2023. The information collected includes the translocation locations, the plant taxa targeted, the methods used, and the monitoring conducted. For a subset of translocations, we have also included data on the survival of planted juveniles. Examples of translocations from various habitat types were also presented to illustrate different approaches. We found that 585 translocations involving 99 taxa from 26 families were initiated by four main institutions in Luxembourg. The conservation actions mainly targeted Endangered and Critically Endangered, but also Least Concern species. Translocations mainly took place in open land habitats, particularly in grasslands and arable land, with a higher density in the southwestern part of the country. 39 % of the translocations took place in national nature reserves whereas 21 % were in areas without any legal protection status. Planting young plants was the preferred method rather than sowing seeds. In 89 % of the translocations, monitoring was conducted by recording survival of the plants, while natural recruitment of new individuals was rarely recorded. 68 % of the translocations were judged successful by the practitioners, mostly based on transplant survival. Detailed data for the subset of 31 grassland species showed that the survival rate of about half of the species considered successful varied between 25 and 71 %. Translocations are essential for the long-term conservation of plant species, but protection and adaptive management of translocation sites are also essential. Translocations conform to national and European priorities for increasing habitat restorations to counteract species decline. To improve conservation outcomes, actions such as translocations need to be consistently documented, monitoring standardized, and experience needs to be shared among stakeholders.

Printing with Natural Dye Extract from Japanese Knotweed Leaves

AbstractInvasive alien plants are detrimentally displacing native plant species and pose a challenge in terms of how their overgrowth can be utilized effectively. In our study, the leaves of one of the world’s worst invasive species, Japanese knotweed, were used to produce a green natural dye. This dye was screen-printed onto various substrates, including cotton and polyester fabrics, commercial cellulose papers, and innovative papers made from the stems of Japanese knotweed. The printed substrates were evaluated using color measurements and fastness properties. The aim of the study was also to investigate the influence of additives in the printing inks, such as sodium carbonate, citric acid, copper and aluminum sulfates, on the color and fastness properties of the prints. The colors of the prints obtained varied, ranging from primarily yellowish-green to brownish-yellow with the addition of citric acid, orange-brown with sodium carbonate, orange-yellow with aluminum sulfate, and brown with copper sulfate. The prints had excellent fastness to dry rubbing and moderate fastness to light. The prints of lower and medium dye concentrations on fabrics had very good fastness to wet rubbing and wet ironing, and on cotton even good fastness to washing. The additives in the printing inks, such as sodium carbonate and metal sulfates, reduced the abrasion resistance of the prints on paper and the wet fastness of the prints on fabrics, but only the metal sulfates had a positive effect on the light fastness of the prints.

SILVER NANOPARTICLES-AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT OF SIDAGURI (SIDA RHOMBIFOLIA) AS REDUCING AGENTS

The Sidaguri leaf, scientifically known as Sida rhombifolia, is a plant species rich in flavonoids that have the ability to act as reducing agent in formation of silver nanoparticles. This study presented the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNp-Sid) using aqueous leaf extract of sidaguri. This study utilized a concentration ratio of 2:90 mL aqueous leaf extract of Sidaguri and AgNO3 1 mM. The size and morphology of AgNp-Sid was measured using UV-Visible Spectrophotometer, PSA, FT-IR, SEM-EDS, and XRD. The investigation revealed an ordinary particle size of 63.5 nm with polydispersity index (PI) of 0.284. The maximum wavelength varies between 405.4 nm and 407.8 nm with the increasing of time. AgNp-Sid exhibited a spherical morphology and had a crystalline structure that is face-centered cubic. The results suggested that the aqueous leaf extract of sidaguri had the ability to function as a reducing agent in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, offering a safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative.

Pathogens of Plant Diseases in Osh City and Their Connection with Climatic Conditions of Kyrgyzstan

The article discusses the issues of improving the environmental situation, creating a favorable environment for health and, therefore, the need to combat plant pathology in large cities of Kyrgyzstan. Methods of increasing sustainability are analyzed and recommendations for improving the efficiency of the urban green space system are proposed. Based on this, the purpose of the work is to study the possibilities of improving the ecological condition of cities in modern conditions by controlling pests of urban plants. During the research, methods of qualitative identification and analysis of pests of urban plants were used. The information and empirical base of the study was our own laboratory research data. The scientific novelty lies in the identification and identification of pests of planted woody, shrubby and ornamental plants in Osh city. Based on the analysis of pests of planted woody, shrubby and ornamental plants in the city of Osh, it is proposed to strengthen control and research in the field of phytopathology to improve the urban environment by greening urban areas with resistant species to the identified pathologies of woody, shrubby and ornamental plant species. The necessity of forming a pest control system for plants and protecting the ecology of cities is substantiated. As a result of the study, the main types of pests of planted woody, shrubby and ornamental plants in urban areas of Osh were identified.

Investigation of the ability of 3-((4-chloro-6-methyl pyrimidin-2-yl)amino) isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one to bind to double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid.

Phthalides represent a notable category of secondary metabolites that are prevalent in various plant species, certain fungi, and liverworts. The significant pharmacological properties of these compounds have led to the synthesis of a novel phthalide derivative. The current study focuses on investigating the binding interactions of a newly synthesized 3-substituted phthalide derivative, specifically 3-((4-chloro-6-methyl pyrimidine-2-yl)amino) isobenzofuran-1(3H)-one (Z11), with double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA). Research in the pharmaceutical and biological fields aimed at developing more potent DNA-binding agents must take into account the mechanisms by which these newly synthesized compounds interact with DNA. This investigation seeks to explore the binding dynamics between dsDNA and our compound through a variety of analytical techniques, such as electrochemistry, UV spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and thermal denaturation. The binding constant (Kb) of Z11 with DNA was determined using both spectroscopic and voltammetric approaches. The research revealed that Z11 employs a groove binding mechanism to associate with dsDNA. To further explore the interactions between Z11 and dsDNA, the study utilized density functional theory (DFT) calculations, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. These analyses aimed to ascertain the potential for a stable complex formation between Z11 and dsDNA. The results indicate that Z11 is situated within the minor groove of the dsDNA, demonstrating the ability to establish a stable complex. Furthermore, the findings imply that both π-alkyl interactions and hydrogen bonding play significant roles in the stabilization of this complex.

SlSPA3 regulates the nuclear abundance of SlUVR8 in tomato.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an important model plant species in photomorphogenesis research. Ultraviolet B (UV-B) induces the dissociation of homodimers of the photoreceptor UV RESISTANCE LOCUS8 (UVR8) into monomers, which translocate into the nucleus. Nuclear accumulation of UVR8 is a prerequisite for its signaling function. Previous studies have reported that SUPPRESSOR OF PHYTOCHROME A-105 (SPA) family members may regulate UV-B signaling in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana); however, the underlying mechanism is unknown. Here, we show that the tomato genome encodes four SPA (SlSPA) orthologs. Genome-edited Slspa3 mutants exhibited enhanced photomorphogenic responses in white light, suggesting that SlSPA3 inhibits general photomorphogenesis. By contrast, UVR8-mediated gene expression in response to UV-B was compromised in Slspa3 mutants, suggesting that SlSPA3 promotes UV-B signaling. UV-B-induced nuclear accumulation of UVR8, which is essential for UV-B signaling, was reduced in the Slspa3 mutants. Moreover, UV-B-induced nuclear accumulation of UVR8 was also reduced in the Arabidopsis spa1 spa2 spa3 and spa1 spa2 spa4 triple mutants, indicating a conserved mechanism in these two species. Notably, spa1 spa2 spa4 exhibited normal UV-B-induced interaction between UVR8 and the plant morphogenesis repressor CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 (COP1). This suggests that the well-established mechanisms of UVR8 nuclear retention remained unaffected in spa1 spa2 spa4. Thus, our work uncovered a potentially unrecognized mechanism by which SPA proteins regulate UV-B signaling through the promotion of UVR8 nuclear abundance in land plants.

Thermal Comfort and Green Spaces: The Role of Temperature-Regulating Elements in Neighborhood Parks

According to current studies, the thermal effects of global warming will affect urban areas more intensely. In the face of this situation, strategies for the improvement and management of urban green spaces are becoming increasingly important in sustainable landscape design. These strategies promote social sustainability by positively affecting individuals’ physical and psychological well-being, taking into consideration ecological sustainability. Projections regarding global warming emphasize that the density of hardscapes and green spaces, the selection of plant species, and the distribution of plants considered within the scope of this study should be taken into account. This research was conducted in the Görükle neighborhood of Bursa, focusing on the role of temperature-regulating elements in 14 neighborhood parks. Systematic temperature measurements were carried out in the research area on the 10th, 20th, and 30th of July and August, specifically between 12:00 and 13:00, during peak temperature hours. The presence of parks that are close to each other and relatively far away from each other in the study area was seen as advantageous to filter the effects of plant differences in similar conditions. Furthermore, evaluating these various factors together highlights the multifaceted nature of thermal comfort. Designated temperature measurement points included three points (hard surfaces and hard surfaces surrounded by vegetation and planted green spaces) in each park. An analysis utilizing SPSS and the RayMan program revealed that parks with a softscape to hardscape ratio of approximately two to one experienced temperature reductions of 2.5 to 3 °C. Furthermore, the findings indicate that coniferous trees have a more significant impact on thermal comfort compared to deciduous trees. The significant differences identified in this study underscore essential considerations for urban design processes aimed at achieving sustainability.

Landscape diversity, habitat connectivity, age and size determine the conservation value of limestone quarries for diverse wild bee communities

Abstract Abandoned and even active limestone quarries (excavation sites) can represent important secondary habitats for many species, including wild bees, associated with dry grasslands, which are threatened biodiversity hotspots in Europe. However, is not well understood how interactions between local habitat and landscape characteristics influence the value of limestone quarries for wild bees and how this could guide conservation schemes. We studied how wild bee communities in limestone quarries are affected by landscape variables (connectivity to neighbouring dry grasslands, landscape diversity), local quarry characteristics (area, age, woody vegetation cover, flowering plant species) and their interactions. We surveyed bee communities during 208 transects in 19 quarries in southern Lower Saxony, Germany. In total, we recorded 114 bee species (2360 individuals), including 35 endangered species. High flowering plant species richness positively affected bee abundance and richness. Large quarry area was important for determining the presence of endangered bee species. High levels of woody vegetation cover had a negative effect on bee abundance and richness. Bee abundance and richness can increase with quarry age, but only at sites with moderate woody vegetation cover. We found potentially positive interactions between quarry age and landscape diversity and/or habitat connectivity to neighbouring dry grasslands. In particular, high habitat connectivity ensured stable richness of endangered species in old quarries. Synthesis and applications. Observed negative effects of high woody vegetation cover on bee communities highlight the importance of local management to reduce shrub encroachment and reset successional processes in limestone quarries. Local management is particularly important in old quarries of great ecological value, where the adverse impact of high woody vegetation cover on wild bees appears to be most severe. Large and old quarries with high connectivity to neighbouring dry grasslands are especially valuable for endangered bee species. Therefore, landscape‐scale restoration and conservation of dry grasslands is the most promising approach to promote endangered bee species through enhanced habitat connectivity.

Segmentation uncertainty of vegetated porous media propagates during X-ray CT image-based analysis

Abstract Background and Aims Phase segmentation is a crucial step in X-ray computed tomography (CT) for image-based analysis (CT-IBA) to derive soil and root information. How segmentation uncertainty (SU) affects CT-IBA of vegetated soil has never been explored. Methods We proposed a new framework enabled by machine learning to measure SU and its propagation from the first to the second-order parameters derived from CT-IBA. Vegetated glass beads of varying moisture contents and plant species were CT scanned. Segmented images were used to determine volumetric fractions and morphological properties of each phase for determining the absolute permeability (K). Results Although the root phase is susceptible to SU, its influence on CT-IBA is minimal when the root content is low. However, its SU was magnified when the water phase is present. The grain phase has a lower SU susceptibility, but due to its large volumetric content, the IBA can be affected significantly. Fine roots were found to exhibit higher SU than coarse roots, indicating that root architecture has an effect on the segmentation of the root phase, and thus higher-order properties like K. Conclusion Segmentation of the grain phase is sensitive to SU. A small SU will lead to a remarkably erroneous estimation of pore morphological properties and K. To reduce SU, we suggest reducing the water content to a discontinuous state of a cohesionless vegetated porous media specimen before sending it for CT scanning and IBA. However, caution should be taken when fine roots were dried and experienced excessive shrinkage.

Characterization of a plant‐pathogenic T3SS‐lacking Xanthomonas strain isolated from common ragweed

AbstractCommon ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is one of the leading causes of allergenic rhinitis, as well as a major weed of many crops. Biological control with plant pathogens, such as fungi and bacteria, represents an attractive alternative to the application of synthetic herbicides to control this noxious weed. In this study, we isolated a Xanthomonas strain (designated as 10‐10) from a diseased common ragweed plant collected in southern Quebec, Canada. We characterized the bioherbicidal potential of this strain against common ragweed, and determined whether it can infect other plant species. Its genome was sequenced using PacBio's SMRT technology, enabling us to gain insight into the phylogenetic placement of this strain within the genus Xanthomonas, and to study the repertoire of virulence‐associated genes and clusters. Xanthomonas sp. 10‐10 belongs to a clearly defined subclade within clade C (group 2), which includes X. vesicatoria, X. dyei and X. pisi. While this strain is closely related to X. pisi, it represents a new species within the genus Xanthomonas. Surprisingly, this strain lacks a type III secretion system, which is the main virulence determinant in pathogenic Xanthomonas spp., but harbours an arsenal of cell wall‐degrading enzymes. The addition of the organosilicone surfactant Silwet L‐77 drastically increased the disease symptoms caused by Xanthomonas sp. 10‐10 on common ragweed plants grown under controlled conditions, but the plants remained alive. This strain also caused disease symptoms on tomato, pepper and lettuce. More research is needed to develop Xanthomonas‐based bioherbicide specifically targeting common ragweed.

Genome-Wide Identification of Basic Helix–Loop–Helix (bHLH) Family in Peanut: Potential Regulatory Roles in Iron Homeostasis

The basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) superfamily is the second-largest transcription factor family that participates in a wide range of biological processes in plants, including iron homeostasis. Although the family has been studied in several plant species, a comprehensive investigation is still needed for peanut (Arachis hypogaea). Here, a genome-wide analysis identified 373 AhbHLH genes in peanut, which were divided into 14 groups or subfamilies according to phylogenetic analysis. Clustered members generally share similar gene/protein structures, supporting the evolutionary relationships among AhbHLH proteins. Most AhbHLHs experienced whole-genome or segmental duplication. The majority of AhbHLH proteins had a typical bHLH domain, while several phylogenetic groups, including Group VI, X, XIII, and XIV, had the HLH domain. The expression of several AhbHLH genes, including AhbHLH001.3, AhbHLH029.1/.2, AhbHLH047.1/.2, AhbHLH115.1/.2, AhbHLH097.1/.2, AhbHLH109.4, and AhbHLH135.1, was induced by Fe deficiency for both cultivars, or at least in Silihong, suggesting an important role in the Fe deficiency response in peanut. Nine genes (AhbHLH001.3, AhbHLH029.1/.2, AhbHLH047.1/.2, AhbHLH097.1/.2, and AhbHLH115.1/.2) were specifically induced by Fe deficiency in Silihong, and their expression was higher in Silihong than that in Fenghua 1. These genes might be responsible for higher tolerance to Fe deficiency in Silihong. Our findings provide comprehensive information for further elucidating the regulatory mechanism of Fe homeostasis in peanut.

A Geological Imprint on Plant Biodiversity: Eastern Australia's Cenozoic Volcanic Flora

ABSTRACTAimAustralia's distinct geological history provides key insights into the diversity of its flora. While previous studies have predominantly focused on climate as the main driver of species richness, growing evidence suggests that geological factors also play an important role. This study aims to investigate the influence of Cenozoic volcanic lithologies on terrestrial vascular plant diversity in eastern Australia, disentangling the relative contributions of climate and geology to biodiversity patterns.LocationEastern Australia.TaxonTerrestrial vascular plants.MethodsWe assessed the patterns of species richness in this region by examining whether sites with Cenozoic volcanic lithologies harbour greater vascular plant diversity, using a permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA). We then used a supervised machine learning algorithm (decision trees) coupled with partial canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) to discriminate the environmental variables influencing species richness and site composition in 230 sites in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.ResultsSoil profile variability and terrain ruggedness, influenced by underlying volcanic lithologies, emerged as primary predictors of species richness. We found species composition, indicative of distinct ecological communities, showed greater similarity within lithological types and varied significantly across volcanic complexes at different latitudes. Notably, areas of higher species richness corresponded with a greater diversity of stratigraphic units within protected zones.Main ConclusionsOur study reveals a significant imprint of Cenozoic volcanic activity on present‐day plant species richness and distribution in eastern Australia. We show that geological features, particularly lithology and site complexity, play a crucial role in shaping species richness beyond previously recognised climatic factors. These findings highlight the importance of integrating geological and edaphic factors into conservation strategies, thereby broadening our understanding of ecological dynamics, and guiding more effective biodiversity conservation.