Plant Species Research Articles

Feeding ecology and diurnal activity patterns of the new populations of geladas (Theropithecus gelada) in the escarpments of eastern Tigray, northern Ethiopia

Studying the behavioral ecology of primates is essential to realize their conservation and management strategies. Geladas (Theropithecus gelada) are endemic primates of the Ethiopian highlands and the last remaining member of the genus Theropithecus. We present here the first-ever study on the behavioral ecology, of the newly discovered geladas in the eastern part of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. We collected data from February to September 2020, which included both dry and wet seasons, and focused on activity patterns and feeding ecology of geladas. A band of 48 individuals was selected as a study group. Data was collected through the instantaneous scan sampling method from the focal band of geladas. Feeding accounted for 49.5% of the activity patterns, followed by moving (22.3%), resting (16%), social (10.4%), and other non-social activities (1.9%). Geladas in the present study consumed 25 plant species that belong to 12 families, more than 50% (14) being graminoids. Food items included graminoid parts (66.1%), forb parts (27.5%), tree/shrub leaves (2.4%), fruit/seeds (2.6%), flowers (0.9%), and the rest being unidentified (0.5%). Geladas are fed in large quantities on graminoid leaves, although they shifted to underground (corms, rhizomes, and roots) food items when leaves were desiccated, particularly during the dry season. The data on the diurnal activity patterns and feeding ecology of the gelada helps in developing conservation strategies and understanding habitat selection and its level of dietary specialization. The current study area is known as a new distribution of geladas in the Tigray region. Thus, this study provides data that would be crucial information for conservation practitioners at local and national levels to ensure the survival of the new and isolated population of Tigray geladas that are patchily distributed to a few escarpments of eastern Tigray, Ethiopia.

Bioactive Molecules, Ethnomedicinal Uses, Toxicology, and Pharmacology of Peltophorum africanum Sond (Fabaceae): Systematic Review

Plants have long been used to treat serious illnesses in both humans and animals. A significant underappreciated medicinal tree, Peltophorum africanum Sond is utilized by many different ethnic groups to cure a wide range of illnesses. A variety of electronic databases, including ScienceDirect, Scopus, Scielo, Scifinder, PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, and Google Scholar, were used to search the literature on P. africanum, using key words such as uses, survey, pharmacology, antigonococcal, toxicity, phytochemistry and others. Further data was obtained from several scholarly theses, dissertations, and books on general plant sciences, ethnomedicine, and other pertinent ethnobotanical topics. The plant species possess very important pharmacological activities in vitro, which includes antimicrobial, anti-HIV, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and other activities. Phytochemically, the plant possesses various classes of compounds, dominated by flavonols, which may well explain its wider range of pharmacological activities. Although the plant is promising anti-HIV activity, the mode of action and safety profiles of the plant also need to be explored as its extracts exerted some degree of mutagenicity. It is also important to further explore its ethnoveterinary use against a plethora of nematodes that infects both wild and domestic animals. Given its potent pharmacological activity, the further in vivo studies need to be explored to ascertain the comprehensive toxicology of the plant species, thereby developing possible medications. The plant species may further be elevated to a potent pharmaceutical product against plethora of infections.

Phylogeography and genetic diversity of Ulmus elongata (Ulmaceae), a Tertiary relict tree with extremely small populations (PSESP)

BackgroundAssessing the current status and identifying the mechanisms threatening endangered plants are significant challenges and fundamental to biodiversity conservation, particularly for protecting Tertiary relict trees and plant species with extremely small populations (PSESP). Ulmus elongata (Ulmus, Ulmaceae) with high values for the ornamental application, is a Tertiary relict tree species and one of the members from PSESP in China. Currently, the wild populations of U. elongata have been threatened by excessive deforestation and urbanization, but limited knowledges of its genetic diversity seriously hinder conservation efforts. Therefore, a further study on the genetic diversity and drivers of genetic pattern in U. elongata is crucial for preserving genetic resources and can serve as a reference for other Tertiary relict plants and PSESP under climate change.ResultsHere, a total of 12 populations from 70 individuals of U. elongata were collected covering its geographical distribution in China. Utilizing chloroplast genome datasets, we found that U. elongata exhibited remarkably low nucleotide diversity and gene flow (π = 0.00013, Nm = 0.03). Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that genetic variation in U. elongata occurs mainly between eight clades (60.95%). The Mantel tests indicated a significant correlation between genetic differentiation and geographical distances (r = 0.3777, p < 0.05) in U. elongata populations. A notable phylogeographic structure was identified in U. elongata, comprising eight distinct haplogroups (NST = 0.917, GST = 0.876, p < 0.05), which was attributed to the global cooling in the East Asia and Quaternary climate oscillations.ConclusionsOverall, our study using Ulmus elongata as a representative supported the hypothesis that plants belonging to Tertiary relict species and PSESP simultaneously exhibits significantly lower genetic diversity compared to those are either Tertiary relict species or PSESP individually. Furthermore, the low genetic diversity and significant genetic differentiation in U. elongata populations can be primarily ascribed to a combination of factors, including habitat fragmentation resulting from human activities, populations contraction during LGM and small population sizes. This provides a crucial foundation for guiding conservation efforts and implementing management strategies for other Tertiary relict tree species and PSESP. Our findings also provide evidence for the important roles of East Asian monsoon system and climate oscillations in shaping the phylogeographic pattern in subtropical broad-leaved forests.

Snowfall Change Had Different Effects on Litter Decomposition for Two Typical Desert Species in Different Periods

In desert ecosystems, litter decomposition is the primary source of soil nutrients and is strongly affected by extreme climate events, which may influence desert plant survival and species diversity. To date, the effects of snowfall changes on litter decomposition in desert species remain poorly understood. Here, a snowfall manipulation experiment was conducted in Northwest China that included snowfall addition and removal treatments, as well as a natural snowfall control. Compared to the control, snowfall addition increased the amount of litter mass lost for Salsola passerina and Reaumuria soongarica during the snow-covered period by 21.54% and 21.8%, respectively. In contrast, snowfall addition effects differed between species during the snow-free period. More carbon was released from the S. passerina litter in the snowfall addition treatment during the snow-free period. Similarly, during the snow-covered period, more carbon and nitrogen were released from the R. soongorica litter in the snowfall addition treatment. Overall, the proportion of litter mass lost (from the annual total) increased with snowfall addition in the snow-covered period but was reduced with snowfall addition in the snow-free period. In the snow-covered period, the snowfall addition treatment affected litter mass loss to the same extent in both species but impacted S. passerina more strongly than R. soongorica in the snow-free period due to differences in soil urease activity. Changes in snowfall, therefore, significantly influenced litter decomposition in both desert species, but these effects differed between the snow-covered and snow-free period, particularly for litter with a higher C:N ratio.

Greening up the City with Native Species: Challenges and Solutions

Urban green spaces provide many benefits, including to human wellbeing, ecosystem services, and urban wildlife. Thus, there are many reasons to green up urban spaces, especially by using native species. Furthermore, urban green spaces are suited to enhancing biodiversity without negatively impacting food or fiber production. Municipalities and private landowners invest substantially in landscaping and its maintenance. However, much of that outlay supports non-native plants that may be less adapted to local conditions such as rainfall patterns and temperature ranges, thus having greater resource requirements, as well as being less supportive of native wildlife and possessing a greater potential of becoming invasive. Here, we explore ways to increase the use of native plant species in urban settings to reduce the need for watering or chemical application, enhance the support of native species, and reduce the risk of invasion to urban and ex-urban habitats. We identify three main impediments: the perception of native species as less aesthetically pleasing, the availability of native plants in the nursery industry, and the willingness of policymakers to take supportive measures. We propose methods to address all three, providing successful examples from a number of US localities and a case study that demonstrates what drivers might exist and what actions remain to be taken.

Detection of the phytoplasma associated with coconut lethal yellowing-type disease in three weed species growing in coconut farms in Ghana

The lethal yellowing-type syndrome of coconut in Ghana, locally called Cape St. Paul wilt disease (CSPWD) is considered as the foremost threat to the survival of the coconut industry in the country. The syndrome is associated with a phytoplasma belonging to the 16SrXXII-B subgroup. In Ghana, no alternative hosts of the phytoplasma have been identified. To identify alternative hosts of the phytoplasma associated with CSPWD, 21 plant species belonging to 16 plant families were sampled from within and around the vicinity of 10 CSPWD affected farms in the Western, Central and Volta Regions of Ghana. Nested PCR and sequencing using assays based on the 16SrRNA gene were used to detect the CSPWD associated phytoplasma in the plant species, Laportea aestuans, Starchtarpheta indica and Pentodon pentandrus. Removal ofthese non-coconut plant species will be incorporated into existing management strategies for CSPWD in Ghana. The plants will be further investigated for their role in the epidemiological cycle of the disease.

Sustainable remediation of abandoned coal mines using vermicompost: a case study in Ledo coal mine, India.

Coal mining in India, especially open-cast mining, substantially strengthens the economy while concurrently causing environmental deterioration, such as soil pollution with toxic chemicals and heavy metals. This study sought to examine the efficacy of vermicompost as a remediation technique for Mine Tailing Soil (MTS) in the Ledo Coal Fields. During a 120-day duration, different concentrations of vermicompost (20%, 30%, and 40%) were administered to MTS, and the impacts on soil physicochemical parameters, fertility, and plant growth were evaluated. The findings indicated substantial enhancements in soil fertility, encompassing increased nutrient availability, improved water retention, and diminished bulk density. Plant species, including Abelmoschus esculentus, Solanum lycopersicum, and Delonix regia, showed substantial growth when subjected to 20% and 30% vermicompost amendments, with the 30% treatment producing the most remarkable outcomes. Furthermore, Risk Assessment Code values for soils amended with 20%, 30%, and 40% vermicompost were markedly diminished, reducing the bioavailability and mobility of heavy metals. The data indicate that vermicompost is an efficient and sustainable method for remediating MTS, alleviating heavy metal contamination, and enhancing plant development, thus addressing the environmental hazards of coal mining.

Environmental influence and species occurrence of yellowjacket drones in an invaded area

During the mating season, reproductive individuals of numerous insect species gather in rendezvous areas, which increases mating opportunities. Male hymenopterans often have to move considerable distances during a particular season, searching or waiting for receptive females. Such behavior is likely driven by a complex combination of individual and species-specific traits, environmental influence, and landscape cues. Our field study aimed to determine factors affecting the occurrence of Vespula spp. drones, focusing on the influence of vegetation traits, atmospheric factors and diel effects, and the species occurrence proportion in an invaded area in Patagonia. Our results indicate that the probability of drone presence over different types of vegetation is affected both by plant species and height. Also, weather and time of day influence the number of individuals simultaneously gathering, as higher abundances of flying drones are found in early hours, warmer days and at low cloud cover. Lastly, through mid-flight drone captures, we determined that both V. germanica and V. vulgaris drones are found concurrently in the same rendezvous areas. This constitutes the first exploratory field study reporting the heterospecific occurrence of Vespula spp. drones and overall, our results contribute to the understanding of yellowjackets mating systems.

More than garden plants: extending the conversation of urban gardens as an important refuge for Australian birds

Abstract Inadequacies in public protected area networks dictates that private land will play an important role in the conservation of biodiversity in the coming decades. Household gardens are a key example of private lands that can serve as refuges for biodiversity, with birds as a popular flagship for garden biodiversity. Discussion has focused heavily on the species of plant a resident might select to attract birds to their garden. In this paper, we describe additional and important factors that should form part of this broader conversation on gardens for birds and biodiversity, with a specific aim of drawing attention to species that are at risk of localised extinctions in modern urban landscapes – urban adaptors. We present our commentary in two themes: (a) mitigating threats to birds in the urban environment and (b) enhancing the habitat value of the urban environment for a broader range of bird species. We provide a synthesis of the research of recent years that has explored the urban environment and its ability to support birds, but importantly, we extend on this by bringing together topics that have been somewhat lacking in the discussion to date. In a new approach to this conversation, this paper brings together key topics that can no longer be considered in isolation if we are to make significant conservation gains in the environments were most Australians now reside.

Short-term impact of low air pressure on plants’ functional traits

Lower atmospheric pressure affects biologically relevant physical parameters such as gas partial pressure and concentration, leading to increased water vapor diffusivity and greater soil water content loss through evapotranspiration. This might impact plant photosynthetic activity, resource allocation, water relations, and growth. However, the direct impact of low air pressure on plant physiology is largely unknown. This study examined the effects of low air pressure, alone and combined with two water inputs, on different functional traits of three plant species transplanted from montane grasslands at 1,500 m a.s.l. during the first four weeks of their early phenological stage: Trifolium pratense, Hieracium pilosella, and Brachypodium rupestre. Using the terraXcube Ecotron facility which can simulate different climatic conditions, we isolated the effect of air pressure from those of other, related environmental factors (temperature, humidity, and solar radiation) by simulating three different elevations with corresponding air pressures: 1,500 m a.s.l. (85 kPa, control scenario), 2,500 m a.s.l. (75 kPa), and 4,000 m a.s.l. (62 kPa) and we used two different water regimes to observe the combined effect of low air pressure and the impact of varying water inputs on plants. In T. pratense and H. pilosella, we observed an increase in stomatal conductance but a reduction in aboveground biomass at the lowest pressure compared to the control scenario after four weeks of incubation. Contrastingly, B. rupestre showed an interactive effect of air pressure and water treatment on chlorophyll and biomass nitrogen content, which were reduced under higher soil water conditions at 85kPa. This study serves as an initial step in isolating the specific impact of air pressure on plant physiology, demonstrating the potential of the facility for future research. The mixed response patterns across species highlight that atmospheric pressure could be a driving factor to consider when assessing plant responses along elevational gradient.

Identification of Proteoforms Related to Nelumbo nucifera Flower Petaloid Through Proteogenomic Strategy

Nelumbo nucifera is an aquatic plant with a high ornamental value due to its flower. Despite the release of several versions of the lotus genome, its annotation remains inefficient, which makes it difficult to obtain a more comprehensive knowledge when –omic studies are applied to understand the different biological processes. Focusing on the petaloid of the lotus flower, we conducted a comparative proteomic analysis among five major floral organs. The proteogenomic strategy was applied to analyze the mass spectrometry data in order to dig out novel proteoforms that are involved in the petaloids of the lotus flower. The results revealed that a total of 4863 proteins corresponding to novel genes were identified, with 227 containing single amino acid variants (SAAVs), and 72 originating from alternative splicing (AS) genes. In addition, a range of post-translational modifications (PTMs) events were also identified in lotus. Through functional annotation and homology analysis with 24 closely related plant species, we identified five candidate proteins associated with floral organ development, which were not identified by ordinary proteomic analysis. This study not only provides new insights into understanding the mechanism of petaloids in lotus but is also helpful in identifying new proteoforms to improve the annotation of the lotus genome.

Transcriptome and Neuroendocrinome Responses to Environmental Stress in the Model and Pest Insect Spodoptera frugiperda

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is one of the most notorious pest insects, causing damage to more than 350 plant species, and is feared worldwide as an invasive pest species since it exhibits high adaptivity against environmental stress. Here, we therefore investigated its transcriptome responses to four different types of stresses, namely cold, heat, no water and no food. We used brain samples as our interest was in the neuroendocrine responses, while previous studies used whole bodies of larvae or moths. In general, the responses were complex and encompassed a vast array of neuropeptides (NPs) and biogenic amines (BAs). The NPs were mainly involved in ion homeostasis regulation (ITP and ITPL) and metabolic pathways (AKH, ILP), and this was accompanied by changes in BA (DA, OA) biosynthesis. Cold and no-water stress changed the NP gene expression with the same patterns of expression but clearly separated from each other, and the most divergent pattern of expression was shown after no-food stress. In conclusion, our data provide a foundation in an important model and pest insect with candidate NPs and BAs and other marker candidate genes in response to environmental stress, and also potential new targets to manage pest insects.

Characterizing the microbiome recruited by the endangered plant Firmiana danxiaensis in phosphorus-deficient acidic soil

Phosphorus (P)-deficient soils serve as crucial habitats for endangered plant species. Microbiomes play pivotal roles in soil element cycling and in determining a plant’s adaptability to the environment. However, the relationship between the endangered plant, microbiome, and soil stoichiometric traits, and how it affects plant adaption to P-deficient habitats remain largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the microbiome (bacteria and fungi) in the rhizosphere of Firmiana danxiaensis, an endangered plant species growing exclusively in P-deficient acidic soils on Mt. Danxia, South China; the non-endangered coexisting tree species Pinus massoniana was used as a reference. Our results showed that soil traits in the rhizosphere of F. danxiaensis differed significantly from that of P. massoniana, including higher soil pH, lower C:N, and higher N:P. The rhizosphere of F. danxiaensis harbors higher microbial diversity and different microbial communities from P. massoniana. Using the machine learning approach, we characterized 76 bacterial and 20 fungal phylotypes dominated in F. danxiaensis rhizosphere, most of which had strong impacts on microbial ecological network structure (they accounted for only 0.33% node numbers but linked 21.2% of the nodes in the network); specifically, Udaeobacter spp., a highly abundant (constituting 4.07% of the total bacterial community) member of Verrucomicrobiota exclusively accumulated in the rhizosphere of F. danxiaensis but not P. massoniana, demonstrated a pronounced ecological prefers toward F. danxiaensis rhizosphere habitat (high pH, low C:N and high N:P) and potential antagonistic indication. In contrast, P. massoniana rhizosphere harbored more Subgroup2 of Acidobacteria and Gammaproteobacterial N-fixer. Taken together, this study provided novel evidence that endangered plants recruited a unique microbiome characterized by Udaeobacter spp. favoring high N habitat. It contributes not only to our understanding of microbiome recruitment by plants in P-deficient acidic soils, but also underscores the importance of microbiome in the conservation and population restoration of endangered plants.

Identifying a Biocontrol Bacterium with Disease-Prevention Potential and Employing It as a Powerful Biocontrol Agent Against Fusarium oxysporum

Biocontrol microbes are environment friendly and safe for humans and animals. To seek biocontrol microbes effective in suppressing Fusarium oxysporum is important for tomato production. F. oxysporum is a soil-borne pathogen capable of causing wilt in numerous plant species. Therefore, we found a biocontrol bacterium with an excellent control effect from the rhizosphere soil of plant roots. In this work, we focus on two parts of work. The first part is the identification and genomic analysis of the biocontrol bacterium Y-4; the second part is the control efficiency of strain Y-4 on F. oxysporum. For this study, we identified strain Y-4 as Bacillus velezensis. It is an aerobic Gram-positive bacterium that can secrete a variety of extracellular enzymes and siderophores. Strain Y-4 also contains a large number of disease-resistant genes and a gene cluster that forms antibacterial substances. In addition, we found that it significantly inhibited the reproduction of F. oxysporum in a culture dish. In the indoor control effect test, after treatment with strain Y-4 suspension, the disease index of tomato plants decreased significantly. Furthermore, the control efficiency of the plants was 71.88%. At the same time, Y-4 bacterial suspension induced an increase in POD and SOD enzyme activities in tomato leaves, resulting in increased plant resistance. Taken together, strain Y-4 proves to be an effective means of controlling F. oxysporum in tomatoes.

Evolutionary Trajectories of Shoots vs. Roots: Plant Volatile Metabolomes Are Richer but Less Structurally Diverse Belowground in the Tropical Tree Genus Protium

The breadth and depth of plant leaf metabolomes have been implicated in key interactions with plant enemies aboveground. In particular, divergence in plant species chemical composition—amongst neighbors, relatives, or both—is often suggested as a means of escape from insect herbivore enemies. Plants also experience strong pressure from enemies such as belowground pathogens; however, little work has been carried out to examine the evolutionary trajectories of species’ specialized chemistries in both roots and leaves. Here, we examine the GCMS detectable phytochemistry (for simplicity, hereafter referred to as specialized volatile metabolites) of the tropical tree genus Protium, testing the hypothesis that phenotypic divergence will be weaker belowground compared to aboveground due to more limited dispersal by enemies. We found that, after controlling for differences in chemical richness, roots expressed less structurally diverse compounds than leaves, despite having higher numbers of specialized volatile metabolites, and that species’ phylogenetic distance was only positively correlated with compound structural distance in roots, not leaves. Taken together, our results suggest that root specialized volatile metabolites exhibit significantly less phenotypic divergence than leaf specialized metabolites and may be under relaxed selection pressure from enemies belowground.

The Floristic Composition and the Local Botanical Knowledge of Forage Plant in Traditional Silvopastoral Systems of Semi-arid Chaco, Santiago del Estero, Argentina

The traditional silvopastoral systems are essential bio-cultural socio-productive activities in the semi-arid Chaco region. The main aim of this study was to asses information on the forage plants species utilized by peasant communities of Northeastern Santiago del Estero, Argentina, in context of traditional silvopastoral systems, from an ethnobotanical approach. The peasant communities were monitored from 2012 to 2017 and 55 families (11 women, 44 men) were interviewed. The study selected the interviewers using the snowball technique, assuming they possessed more specific knowledge on the topic. The information collected was structured in a database and analyzed statistically. Overall, 131 plants from 44 families and 98 genera were cited, being Poaceae and Fabaceae the most diverse. Herbs, shrubs and trees native to the area are the predominant biological forms of forage plant species. The main local silvopastoral management practices and the annual forage dynamics were identified as well. Additionally, 12 forage species together with native woody plants and native and cultivated grasses are accounted as the most valued. The species used to feed livestock during the dry season are the best valued. The high number of forage plants mentioned in the interviews makes apparent the role played by local flora as well as the importance of the local botanical knowledge in the main socio-cultural activity. The species holding the highest popular valuation are the woody ones and grasses, which are abundant in the region, as well as those used to feed livestock in the unfavorable season (late fall, winter and early spring). The traditional silvopastoralism is a key practice in the region, especially in extensive LBK foraging plants. Local communities hold deep knowledge of these practices. This knowledge is shared through narratives, everyday activities, and productive strategies, highlighting the its importance in sustaining both the environment and the livelihoods of local inhabitants.

The temperate forest phyllosphere and rhizosphere microbiome: a case study of sugar maple

The interactions between sugar maple (Acer saccharum, Marshall) and its microbial communities are important for tree fitness, growth, and establishment. Despite recent progress in our understanding of the rhizosphere and phyllosphere microbial communities of sugar maple, many outstanding knowledge gaps remain. This review delves into the relationships between sugar maple and its microbes, as climate change alters plant species distributions. It highlights the multifaceted roles of key microbes, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and pathogens, in affecting the distribution and establishment of sugar maple in novel habitats. Furthermore, this review examines how microbial communities in different compartments contribute to tree fitness. Finally, it explores how microbial dispersal and altered species interactions under changing environmental conditions can affect sugar maple's ability to migrate beyond its current range, emphasizing the different scenarios associated with such shifts. In the rhizosphere, AM fungi are known for their roles in nutrient acquisition and improving stress tolerance. Yet, key questions remain about how these fungi interact with other microbes, how soil chemistry and climate change alter these interactions, and how the presence of beneficial microbes influences sugar maple's establishment. Additionally, the role of dark septate endophytes (DSE) in sugar maple's fitness remains underexplored, emphasizing the need for more research on their diversity and functions. In the phyllosphere, microbial communities are subject to shifts due to rising global change, with potential impacts on sugar maple's fitness. These changes may influence the tree's resistance to pathogens, tolerance to environmental stress, and overall health. Yet, our understanding of these interactions relies mostly on short-read sequencing methods targeting marker genes (e.g., 16S, ITS, 18S), which often fail to identify microbes at the species level. Limitations in molecular techniques and poor microbial reference databases hinder our ability to fully characterize tree-associated microbial diversity and functions. Future research should thus prioritize advanced molecular tools such as shotgun, hybrid, or long-read sequencing. Controlled experiments are also needed to establish causal links between sugar maple fitness and microbial communities, and to study whether microbial communities change throughout the tree's lifespan.

Durable Textile Dyeing/Printing Using Natural Indigo Dyes and Leaves, and Mayan-Inspired Blue Indigo Pigments

Indigo leaves from various plant species are sources of dyes/pigments, not fully exploited for making sustainable textiles. Blue indigo vat dye extracted from indigo leaves yields high wash color fastness but fades slowly with light, and is not easily used for direct printing. Indigo leaves can be used to produce textiles of various color shades, while light-resistant Mayan-inspired hybrid pigments have not yet been used for textile coloring. Using blue indigo dyes from three plant species, with exhaustion dyeing, intense wash-resistant blue-colored textiles are produced, and in the case of Indigofera Persicaria tinctoria, textiles have antibacterial activity against S. epidermis and E. coli. A 100% natural Mayan-inspired blue indigo pigment, made from sepiolite clay and natural indigo dye, was used both in powdered and paste forms to perform pigment textile dyeing by pad cure process, and direct screen printing on textiles. A water-based bio-binder was used efficiently for both padding and printing. Bio-based Na Alginate thickener allowed to produce prints with good color-fastness on both polyester and cotton fabrics, while bio-based glycerin produced excellent print color fastness on polyester only: wash fastness (5/5), dry and wet rub fastness (5/5) and light fastness (7/8).

Microbial generalists as keystone species: constructing core network modules in the anthosphere of twelve diverse wild plant species

BackgroundThe anthosphere, also known as the floral microbiome, is a crucial component of the plant reproductive system. Therefore, understanding the anthospheric microbiome is essential to explore the diversity, interactions, and functions of wildflowers that coexist in natural habitats. We aimed to explore microbial interaction mechanisms and key drivers of microbial community structures using 144 flower samples from 12 different wild plant species inhabiting the same natural environment in South Korea.ResultsThe microbial diversity of the anthosphere showed plant dependence, with the highest diversity observed in Forsythia koreana, indicating microbial dynamics in relation to plant species. Caulobacter, Sphingomonas, Achromobacter, Epicoccum, Cladosporium, and Alternaria were anthosphere generalists, suggesting that the local plant anthosphere had a similar microbial composition. Ecological network analysis revealed that anthosphere generalists were tightly coupled to each other and constructed core modules in the anthosphere. Functions associated with parasites and pathogens were commonly observed in the anthosphere, particularly in Capsella bursa-pastoris and Brassica juncea.ConclusionOverall, the anthosphere depends on the plant species and microbial generalists function as keystone species to support and connect the anthospheric microbiome in natural habitats.

Epigenetic effects of four nutraceutical products on human liver cells

Background: There are numerous botanical extracts and fractions that have been shown to have a diverse range of bioactivities. Many nutraceutical products and food supplements contain phytochemicals - often multiple numbers of them as constituents of a single product. There is a paucity of data on the net bioactivities of these multi-component products. This paper reports the effects of four such products on the expression of six genes that are critical to the maintenance of good health. Objectives: We investigated several products that contain a number of constituents derived from plant species as well as essential minerals on the biochemical activities of liver cells in culture. The combination of these bioactives into one product results in multiple strong biological effects. Examples of these are presented in this paper with a discussion of how the constituents have provided this effect. Methods: The expression of six genes (ppar-α, glp-1, bdnf, sirt-1, nrf1, sod-1) in a human liver cell line (THLE-2 cells) were cultured for 24 hours in the presence of Vitalité, Reviv, Revíve and Collagène (products from THREE International). The RNA was isolated from these cells and from the control unsupplemented cells. The levels of transcripts of these genes in these isolates were measured by RT-PCR. The changes in the concentrations of the mRNA from the supplemented cells were compared with those from reference cells. Results: Of the four products, Revíve boosted the transcription of the glp-1, the bdnf, the sirt-1, the nrf1, and the sod-1 genes. Éternel boosted the transcription of ppar-α, and the sod-1 genes. Vitalité increased the transcription of the glp-1, the bdnf, the nrf1, and the sod-1 genes. Collagène stimulated the expression of the bdnf, and the sod-1 genes. The use of nutraceutical products, either as a complement or as a substitute for pharmaceuticals, has been receiving increased attention for maintaining good health. These products are multi-component. Evidence for their clinical efficacy is frequently lacking. Conclusion: The results of this project provide evidence that the phytochemicals in the four products investigated can provide the bio-effects that regulate the expression of key genes that control fundamental essential metabolic activities and so can justify the claims made for them. Keywords: Epigenetics, nutritional supplements, phytonutrients, liver health