Plant Specimens Research Articles

Study of photosynthetic pigments and flavonoid compounds content in Salvia officinalis L. phytomass

The study of the pigment apparatus (chlorophylls, carotenoids) and flavonoids will allow to reveal the plants adaptation mechanisms, which subsequently can be used in ecological and biochemical studies. The purpose of the study is to determine the content of the photosynthesis pigments (chlorophylls, carotenoids) and flavonoids in the phytomass of hydroponically grown garden sage (Salvia officinalis L.) compared with the sage grown the open soil. Two varieties of the garden sage were studied: ‘Dobrinya’ and ‘Kubanets’ from two different producers. The plants were grown hydroponically under two lighting regimes (red, blue and white LEDs and white LEDs). The open-soil plant specimens (‘Kubanets’ by Johnsons, ‘Kubanets’ by Gavrish) were studied for comparison. SHIMADZU UV-1900i spectrophotometer was used to determine the pigments and flavonoids content. The study results regarding chlorophylls a, b and carotenoids in the phytomass showed the advantages of the hydroponic cultivation on the mineral wool substratum for ‘Kubanets’ by Johnsons grown under colored LEDs, ‘Kubanets’ by Gavrish grown under white and colored LEDs, and ‘Dobrinya’ variety grown under colored LEDs. In general the colored lighting is found to be more favorable than the white one for chlorophyll accumulation when the plants are cultivated in hydroponic systems. The higher content of carotenoids was observed under white LEDs for ‘Kubanets’ by Gavrish and ‘Kubanets’ by Johnsons. The flavonoids accumulation was more intensive in the open soil and under white LEDs in the hydroponics.

(142–148) Proposals to improve the definition, utility, and curation of (type) specimens of fossil algae, fungi, and plants

(142–148) Proposals to improve the definition, utility, and curation of (type) specimens of fossil algae, fungi, and plants

Morphological, chemoprofile and soil analysis comparison of Corymbia citriodora (Hook.) K.D. Hill and L.A.S. Johnson along with the green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles

ObjectiveThe objective of this research study was to identify the morphological characteristics and essential oil components of Corymbia citriodora (Hook.) K. D. Hill and L.A.S. Johnson grown in two different geographical locations-Kodaikanal and Nashik. A comparative soil analysis was also carried out to detect the soil quality under Corymbia citriodora (C. citriodora) plantation. Green synthesis of Iron oxide nanoparticles from C. citriodora leaf extract has been carried out. MethodsHydro-distillation method was used to extract the essential oils from both the species and GC–MS analysis was carried out to detect the chemical components. A comparative morphological analysis was carried out for both the plant specimens while soil analysis from three different places- forest soil, soil under C. citriodora plantation and agricultural field soil was performed. Iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by using leaf extract of C. citrodora and its reduction by FeSO4·7H2O solution was found. The structural properties of Iron oxide nanoparticles were studied by UV, X-ray diffraction, FTIR and SEM. ResultsThe morphological result showed that both the C. citriodora species had the same characteristics with a slight variation in the bark and leaf colour. The essential oil profile showed citronellol as the major compound in both the species, dI- Isopulegol was found only in C. citriodora from Kodaikanal in more concentration (less than citronellol) while the eucalyptol content was found to be more in Nashik species. For soil analysis it was observed that, even though the soil in the C. citriodora area is more acidic than forest soil, with lower quantities of organic matter and minerals, it also has high levels of organic matter and nutrients, as well as low pH when compared to the soil in agricultural field. The characterisation of iron oxide nanoparticles by UV, FTIR, XRD and SEM confirmed its formation. ConclusionsThe two varieties of C. citriodora from two different locations have not shown wide differences in their morphological characters. The amount of essential oil was observed to be low in Nashik when compared to Kodaikanal, which is due to the geographical area difference. These results showed that the essential oil content varies depending on location, as well as the fact that C. citriodora has little or no negative effects on soil quality. The green method used for synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles was found to be effective.

Ethnomedicinal Plants of Ghorahi Sub Metropolitan City and their Adjoining Area, Dang, District

Ghorahi is situated in the Lumbini Province Mid-Western part of Nepal. The present study was under taken Ghorahi sub-metropolitan city of Dang district indigenous knowledge on plant utilization as natural remedy and documentation of ethnomedical plant. The traditional healers, elder men and teachers were consulted as key information for the documentation of indigenous knowledge on the medicinal plants. The study was accompanied by field visits during this season. The information was taken based on local people’s knowledge. The present study has documented 34 species belongs to 23 families and 31 genera of highly utilized medicinal plants from that area used by local communities. The documentation is based on primary data collected in the field applying PRA, RRA techniques and informal interview followed by collection of plant specimen. These plants were used for the treatment of various ailments. It has been evident from the study most of the tribal group depends upon forest for firewood, fodder, holy applicants (making plates, tapari etc.). It is observed that forest is under heavy interference and its ecosystem have been change rapidly due to forest fire, lopping, grazing, fuel-wood collection etc. Therefore, indicating urgent need for conservation of these resources and indigenous knowledge about medicinal plants.

Exploration of pteridophytic flora of rajshahi district, Bangladesh with special References to their medicinal potential and distribution

In Bangladesh the Pteridophytes are common member of flora of the country. Their presence has been recorded in almost all climatic zones and habitats. The present study was carried out from January 2011 to June 2011 in a small area of Bangladesh and a total of 20 species under 17 genera of the 14 families were collected and identified. All plant specimens were deposited in the Herbarium, Department of Botany, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh. According to their habitat, the pteridophytes of Rajshahi have been categorized as aquatic, terrestrial, epiphytic and lithophytes. It was found that the pteridophytes of Rajshahi are not only medicinally important, but also they are good bioaccumulator of heavy metals and can be used as beautification and decorative purposes. Out of twenty pteridophytic species, twelve species are well established medicinally important pteridophyte and another one is a well known green manure. Among the medicinally important pteridophytes found in Rajshahi, six species have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activities; five species have anti oxidant activities; four species have anticancer activities and one species is diuretic, antidiabetic and used against snake bite. Four pteridophytes found in this area are good bioaccumulator of heavy metals and another six species of pteridophytes are used as ornamental plant. Most of them are common in eastern and north eastern India.

Ancient DNA extraction methods for herbarium specimens: When is it worth the effort?

PremiseHerbaria harbor a tremendous number of plant specimens that are rarely used for molecular systematic studies, largely due to the difficulty in extracting sufficient amounts of high‐quality DNA from the preserved plant material.MethodsWe compared the standard Qiagen DNeasy Plant Mini Kit and a specific protocol for extracting ancient DNA (aDNA) (the N‐phenacylthiazolium bromide and dithiothreitol [PTB–DTT] extraction method) from two different plant genera (Xanthium and Salix). The included herbarium materials covered about two centuries of plant collections. To analyze the success of DNA extraction using each method, a subset of samples was subjected to a standard library preparation as well as target‐enrichment approaches.ResultsThe PTB–DTT method produced a higher DNA yield of better quality than the Qiagen kit; however, extracts from the Qiagen kit over a certain DNA yield and quality threshold produced comparable sequencing results. The sequencing resulted in high proportions of endogenous reads. We were able to successfully sequence 200‐year‐old samples.DiscussionThis method comparison revealed that, for younger specimens, DNA extraction using a standard kit might be sufficient. For old and precious herbarium specimens, aDNA extraction methods are better suited to meet the requirements for next‐generation sequencing.

Raman Spectroscopy and Machine Learning for Agricultural Applications: Chemometric Assessment of Spectroscopic Signatures of Plants as the Essential Step Toward Digital Farming.

A growing body of evidence suggests that Raman spectroscopy (RS) can be used for diagnostics of plant biotic and abiotic stresses. RS can be also utilized for identification of plant species and their varieties, as well as assessment of the nutritional content and commercial values of seeds. The power of RS in such cases to a large extent depends on chemometric analyses of spectra. In this work, we critically discuss three major approaches that can be used for advanced analyses of spectroscopic data: summary statistics, statistical testing and chemometric classification. On the example of Raman spectra collected from roses, we demonstrate the outcomes and the potential of all three types of spectral analyses. We anticipate that our findings will help to design the most optimal spectral processing and preprocessing that is required to achieved the desired results. We also expect that reported collection of results will be useful to all researchers who work on spectroscopic analyses of plant specimens.

Analysis of botanicals and botanical supplements by LC-MS/MS-based molecular networking: Approaches for annotating plant metabolites and authentication

Prior to the advent of modern medicine, humans have used botanicals extensively for their therapeutic potential. With the majority of newly approved drugs having their origins in natural products, plants remain at the forefront of drug discovery. Continued research and discovery necessitate the use of high-throughput analytical methods to screen and identify bioactive components and potential therapeutic molecules from plants. Utilizing a pre-generated plant extract library, we subjected botanicals to LC-MS/MS-based molecular networking to determine their chemical composition and relatively quantify already known metabolites. The LC-MS/MS-based molecular networking approach was also used to authenticate the composition of dietary supplements against their corresponding plant specimens. The networking procedures provided concise visual representations of the chemical space and highly informative assessments of the botanicals. The procedures also proved to define the composition of the botanical supplements quickly and efficiently. This offered an innovative approach to metabolite profiling and authentication practices and additionally allowed for the identification of new, putatively unknown metabolites for future isolation and biological evaluation.

Parasitic flowering plant collections embody the extended specimen

Abstract The widespread digitization of natural history collections, combined with novel tools and approaches is revolutionizing biodiversity science. The ‘extended specimen’ concept advocates a more holistic approach in which a specimen is framed as a diverse stream of interconnected data. Herbarium specimens that by their very nature capture multispecies relationships, such as certain parasites, fungi and lichens, hold great potential to provide a broader and more integrative view of the ecology and evolution of symbiotic interactions. This particularly applies to parasite–host associations, which owing to their interconnectedness are especially vulnerable to global environmental change. Here, we present an overview of how parasitic flowering plants is represented in herbarium collections. We then discuss the variety of data that can be gathered from parasitic plant specimens, and how they can be used to understand global change impacts at multiple scales. Finally, we review best practices for sampling parasitic plants in the field, and subsequently preparing and digitizing these specimens. Plant parasitism has evolved 12 times within angiosperms, and similar to other plant taxa, herbarium collections represent the foundation for analysing key aspects of their ecology and evolution. Yet these collections hold far greater potential. Data and metadata obtained from parasitic plant specimens can inform analyses of co‐distribution patterns, changes in eco‐physiology and species plasticity spanning temporal and spatial scales, chemical ecology of tripartite interactions (e.g. host–parasite–herbivore), and molecular data critical for species conservation. Moreover, owing to the historic nature and sheer size of global herbarium collections, these data provide the spatiotemporal breadth essential for investigating organismal response to global change. Parasitic plant specimens are primed to serve as ideal examples of extended specimen concept and help motivate the next generation of creative and impactful collection‐based science. Continued digitization efforts and improved curatorial practices will contribute to opening these specimens to a broader audience, allowing integrative research spanning multiple domains and offering novel opportunities for education.

An ethnobotanical study on the wild edible plants used by forest dwellers in Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary, Manipur, India

Background: The study documented the wild edible plants (WEPs) used by forest dwellers in the Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary (YLWLS), Manipur, India. The inhabitants of YLWLS belong to the Thadou, Meitei, and Maring communities. Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was carried out from March 2018 to February 2020. The elderly local people, local healers, forest staff, and vendors in local markets participated in the survey. The respondents were selected through snowball sampling method. The ethnobotanical information was gathered from the respondents, especially the elderly people, local healers, forest staff, and vendors through interviews. The questionnaire used was a semi-structured type. The data was collected on parameters such as vernacular name, botanical name, family, the life form or habit of the species, information on flowering and fruiting, the plant part used, mode of consumption, medicinal use, marketability, and price. The voucher specimens of the wild edible plants were collected and identified with the help of literature. Results: One hundred and eight taxa belonging to 86 genera and 50 families of WEPs were documented. Zingiberaceae was the most dominant family with seven species used as WEPs. Herbs were most dominant with 42 species. Nine species bore flowers and fruits all year round. Maximum species (49 species) were consumed after cooking. Forty-nine species out of the 108 WEP species were consumed for their medicinal values. Sixty six species (61%) of WEPs were marketed. The highest-priced species were Asparagus racemosus (INR 180-220/kg; USD 2.41-2.95) and Cinnamomum verum (INR 150-200/kg; USD 2.01-2.68). The use of the pseudostem of Ensete glaucum as food is a new report for Manipur. Conclusions: The forest dwellers depend on the WEPs for their food, medicine, traditional ceremonies, and source of livelihood. Some species of WEPs could be propagated for conservation, management, and sustainable utilization, which would help in generating additional income for the locals. Keywords: Wild edible plants, forest dwellers, Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary, Manipur

Biochemical effects of three personal care products on growth and development in Cicer arietinum (chickpea) and Vigna aconitifolia (moth bean)

Personal Care Products (PCPs) contain numerous hazardous compounds, which affect the plant growth. The effects of common brands of soap, shampoo and detergent on early germination and growth of chickpea and moth bean were studied. The aim was to determine a threshold or “environmentally relevant” level of each PCP with respect to biochemical growth parameter and, thereby, establish a focused estimate of the toxicology profile of each product. Detergents had the greatest impact on biochemical parameters, namely, photosynthetic pigment, total soluble protein, dehydrogenase activity, cell viability and relative cell injury (RCI). RCI analysis was used to measure intracellular electrolyte leakage of metabolically significant ions such as sodium and potassium. Consequently, the findings yielded indications of heat tolerance corresponding to plant specimens, which would prove useful in arid locations and regions with low humidity. A harsher effect of detergents on growth and development was seen as compared to soaps and shampoos.

Plant–insect interactions from the Late Pennsylvanian of the Iberian Peninsula (León, northern Spain)

We describe new evidences of plant–insect interactions from the Late Pennsylvanian of northern Iberian Peninsula (León, Spain). We document nine different Damage Types (DTs) among 216 fossil plant specimens. The interactions include four different Functional Feeding Groups (FFGs), including margin feeding (DT12 and DT13), hole feeding (DT09), galling (DT33, DT80, and DT116), and oviposition (DT67, DT100, and DT102) on Pteridophytes, Pteridospermatophytes, and Coniferophytes. Margin feeding and hole feeding were identified on different species of Polymorphopteris (P. polymorpha, P. cf. pseudobucklandii, and P. integra); galling on Mixoneura wagneri, Pecopteris apicalis, and Oligocarpia gutbieri; and oviposition on Polymorphopteris integra, Cordaites cf. angulostriatus and Polymorphopteris cf. integra. The oviposition scars represent the oldest record of oviposition from the Iberian Peninsula so far. In addition, it is the first evidence of plant–insect interactions on Oligocarpia and Polymorphopteris leaves in the area. These evidences reveal various ecological interactions between different groups of plants and insects in the Late Pennsylvanian forests of Spain, suggesting that these plants were a relevant source of food and lodge for a variety of arthropods (mainly insects). We also explore the possible culprits of these damages and the climatic implications.

Ethnomedicinal Plants in Herbal Remedies Used for Treatment of Skin Diseases by Traditional Healers in Songkhla Province, Thailand.

Skin disorders are a worldwide health problem that normally affect human life. A traditional healer is an important expert in researching notable medicinal plants for skin disease treatment. This study aimed to determine the traditional knowledge and the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of skin diseases among traditional healers in the Songkhla province, Thailand. The ethnobotanical information was collected from experienced traditional healers by semi-structured interviews and participant observations. Plant specimens were also collected and identified using the standard taxonomic method. The data were analyzed by interpretation and descriptive statistics. Twenty-five polyherbal formulations for the treatment of skin diseases were obtained from traditional healers with at least 10 years of experience. A total of 66 plant species in 38 families were documented. Leaves and trees were the most commonly employed plant parts and plant habits included in the herbal remedies, respectively. Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, and Zingiberaceae were the majority of the cited families. Oryza sativa L. and Zingiber montanum (J. Koenig) Link ex A.Dietr. were the most preferred plants combined in the prescriptions, which had the highest use value (UV = 0.83). The highest relative frequency of citation was represented by Curcuma longa L., Eurycoma longifolia Jack, Knema globularia (Lamk.) Warb, and Senna siamea (Lam.) Irwin & Barneby. (0.55 each). This research suggests the importance of traditional healers in the healing of skin diseases with herbal remedies. A variety of medicinal plants are used in the prescriptions for the treatment of skin disorders in the Songkhla province, in the south of Thailand. Pharmacological and toxicological activities as well as phytochemical constituents of polyherbal remedies should be further investigated to scientifically verify further applications of widely practiced herbal medicines.

Higher Plant Conservation Across a Gradient of Increasing Agroecosystems Management Intensity in Western Ethiopia

Human mismanagement of natural forests caused the great loss of ecosystem services because of conversion into modified landscapes. On the other hand, agroecosystems are playing vital role in terms of retaining and conserving certain perennial plants in addition to the small fauna. The main objective of this study is to assess the diversity of woody species and vegetation structure in three coffee systems across an increasing farmers’ management intensity in selected research areas of Western Wollega, Ethiopia. A total of 72 samples (24 per each management systems) were purposively selected from three districts based on the dominant coffee production system and the level of coffee production, which supposed to affect the diversity of tree species for collecting data on woody species. Plant specimens were collected following standard herbarium technique and identified in the field and at national herbarium. A total of 50 woody species were identified. The nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination and Sorensen distance-based ordination demonstrated that plots of the same coffee system were almost maintained similar species composition and abundance. Diversity of woody species was significantly different among the coffee management systems (P <.0001). Similarly, some of the structural parameters like density, basal area, and shade significantly reduced along the increased coffee management intensity. The study found evidence that the intensification of coffee management was not always the source of biodiversity loss; rather, it is an opportunity for conservation of the locally threatened higher plants. Incorporation of coffee shrubs in the degraded lands or remnant forest patches, integrating coffee in the massive afforestation can be used as an alternative strategy for overstorey plant conservation.

Geum rubrum comb. nov. (Rosaceae), elevation of Geum elatum forma rubrum to species rank

Geum elatum forma rubrum (Rosaceae) is elevated here to the rank of species, Geum rubrum comb. nov. from the Himalaya. The species differs from the commonly occurring G. elatum in several distinctive characters which include: smaller flower size (2.2–2.8 cm diameter), elliptic or lanceolate pseudo-sepal, glandular hairs on calyx, red petals, dorsifixed stamens, lesser number of carpels (6–8) and achene size (7.8–8.0 × 1.6–1.8 mm). Based on the morphological study of the fresh plant specimens collected from Kashmir Himalaya, here we provide a detailed description of G. rubrum and photographic illustrations of its diagnostic characters. We also provide comparison of distinguishing features of G. rubrum with its closely related G. elatum to facilitate easier field identification.

Type specimens of vascular plants in the herbarium of the National Institute of Biological Resources (II)

We provide information on 143 sheets of type specimens of 39 species and infraspecific taxa of vascular plants stored in the herbarium of the National Institute of Biological Resources. The specimens were donated by Changwon National University (Prof. Hyeok-Jae Choi), Chungbuk National University (Prof. Byoung-Un Oh), Ewha Womans University (Prof. Chang-Sook Lee), Hallym University (Prof. Young-Dong Kim), Jeonbuk National University (Prof. Muyeol Kim), Korea National Arboretum, Mokwon University (Prof. Jeong Ki Sim), Sungkyunkwan University (Prof. Seung-Chul Kim), and some researchers at KB. The specimens included four sheets for holotypes, 46 sheets for isotypes, and 93 sheets for paratypes of three species and infraspecific taxa of pteridophytes, 21 dicotyledons, and 15 monocotyledons. Nine sheets were sourced from China and 134 sheets were sourced from Korea.

Typification of five plant names described based on specimens collected by Józef Warszewicz in Central and South America.

Józef Warszewicz (1812–1864) was one of the first Polish naturalists to explore the flora of the tropical New World. During two expeditions to Central and South America (1844–1850 and 1850–1853) he collected and delivered to Europe up to twenty thousand plant specimens. To honour his service and his achievements in plant collections, different taxonomists described more than 100 taxa using the surname Warszewicz, for example in the genus name (Warszewiczia) and the species epithets (warszewiczii, warscewiczii, warszewicziana). Unfortunately, a large part of Warszewicz’s collection of plant species deposited in the Berlin Herbarium (B), including many type specimens was destroyed during World War II. During digitisation of herbarium collections preserved in the Herbarium of the Jagiellonian University (KRA), we reviewed more than 650 herbarium sheets with plant specimens collected by Warszewicz and originating from his trips to Central and South America. In this paper, we present the typification of five names of species, described base on Warszewicz’s plant material. We select lectotypes for Berberiswarszewiczii, Esenbeckiawarscewiczii, Psammisiaramiflora, Remijiainvolucrata and Rondeletiaorthoneura, and provide data on the presence of 17 specimens (isotypes) representing Esenbeckiacornuta, an extremely rare species, that to date is known only from the type locality in Peru. A list of all Warszewicz’s specimens preserved at KRA herbarium is also presented. Additionally, in the result of the revision of syntypes of Berberismultiflora and Rondeletiareflexa we designated here the lectotypes for these taxa.

The natural history collections of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (Poland): an outline of their history and content

Abstract The origins of scientific nature collections in Wielkopolska (Western Poland) date back to the seventeenth century. Their development was repeatedly disrupted by major events, including two world wars fought in Poland in the twentieth century. The rescued historical collections as well as specimens of algae, plants, fungi and animals systematically collected after 1945 are now stored under optimal conditions at the Faculty of Biology of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (FBAMU). The current collections include approximately 2.2 million pre-catalogued objects that document not only the biodiversity of Wielkopolska and Poland but also that of many regions of the world on all continents. Specimens included in the FBAMU are used extensively in taxonomic, biogeographic, phylogenetic, ecological and genetic studies. The collections also have significant educational value and help disseminate knowledge about biodiversity.

Digitization of and online access to data from the natural history collections of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań: Assumptions and implementation of the AMUNATCOLL project

Abstract This paper describes a project aimed at digitizing and openly sharing the natural history collections (AMUNATCOLL) of the Faculty of Biology at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (Poland). The result of this project is a database (including 2.2 million records) of plant, fungal and animal specimens, which is available online via the AMUNATCOLL portal and on the Global Biodiversity Information Facility website. This article presents selected aspects of the “life cycle” of this project, with a particular focus on its preparatory phase.

Melastoma imbricatum Wall. ex Triana (Melastomataceae): a new addition to the flora of Manipur, India

Melastoma imbricatum Wall. ex Triana (Melastomataceae) is recorded for the first time for Manipur, India. The plant specimen was collected from Lambui (25.015N, 94.294E; 1,420 m), Ukhrul district, Manipur. Brief description and colour illustrations are provided.