Plant Age Research Articles

Plant Stem Cells in Cosmetic Industry

It is interesting to note that some of the most lucrative commercial products available today are derived from plant cell cultures. Apple, grape, ginger, rice, and other plant stem cells have been successfully and extensively utilized in cosmetic preparations all over the world. The advantages of plant cell suspensions over field-grown complete plants, which exhibit developmental stages of growth, plant age, and organ-specific differences, include sustainability, lack of pesticide residues, and independence from climate fluctuations. The procedure of extracting and purifying physiologically active compounds from plant cell cultures is significantly streamlined because of the possibility that these chemicals may be released into the intercellular gaps or wasted media through the cell walls and membrane. Upon downstream processing from the cells, the released chemicals exhibit minimal losses and a high degree of purity. Overall, the practical interest is in creating high-quality, sustainable, and innovative skincare solutions that meet both consumer needs and environmental concerns while driving the cosmetic industry toward more advanced biotechnological approaches. Our review intends to show the advantages of plant stem cells in cosmetic preparations.

Examining the complementarity in belowground water use between different varieties and ages of Arabica coffee plants and dominant shade tree species in an organic agroecosystem

Examining the complementarity in belowground water use between different varieties and ages of Arabica coffee plants and dominant shade tree species in an organic agroecosystem

Comparison of Antioxidant Activities of Dendropanax morbifera Léveille Extracts According to Harvest Area.

Dendropanax morbifera Léveille is a medicinal plant native to East Asia with its diverse therapeutic potentials. In particular, the antioxidant effect of this plant is well known, but there has been little research on the antioxidant effect according to different habitats or ages. In this study, we evaluated the proximate composition, mineral, saponin, rutin, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activities of leaf extracts of D. morbifera plants cultivated from two different regions (New Zealand and Jeju Island, Korea) and of the same age (2-year-old plants). The assessment of proximate composition and total phenolic and flavonoid contents revealed significant variations in these parameters dependent on the cultivation region and age. The highest total phenol and total flavonoid contents were observed in D. morbifera from Jeju Island. In addition, the antioxidant activities of leaf extracts of D. morbifera from different cultivation regions and ages were assessed in terms of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)free radical scavenging, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase activity. The extract of D. morbifera from Jeju Island showed the highest antioxidant activity among the samples tested. These findings clearly indicate that both the cultivation region and plant age affect the phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of D. morbifera. Therefore, extracts of D. morbifera obtained from optimal harvest regions and ages could serve as promising natural antioxidant candidates with potential health benefits.

Decay of self-incompatibility within a lifespan in Physalis acutifolia (Solanaceae)

Key messageSelf-incompatibility decays with age in plants of Physalis acutifolia, and plants that have transitioned to selfing produce fewer seeds but with comparable viability. Self-compatibility in this system is closely related to flower size, which is in turn dependent on the direction of the cross, suggesting parental effects on both morphology and compatibility.The sharpleaf groundcherry, Physalis acutifolia, is polymorphic for self-compatibility, with naturally occurring self-incompatible (SI) and self-compatible (SC) populations. Moreover, SI individuals have been documented to transition to SC with age, at least in greenhouse conditions. Here we tested whether this within-lifespan transition occurs predictably (developmental decay of SI) or could result from a lack of pollination (a plastic response). Using greenhouse crosses, we demonstrated that SI P. acutifolia plants transition to SC after 70 days, regardless of pollination treatment, consistent with predictable developmental decay. This loss of SI corresponds to a loss of pollen inhibition, with self-pollen often reaching the ovary after 24 h. The originally SI plants that transition to SC can produce viable seeds from self crosses, albeit significantly fewer than from outcrosses of SI plants or from lines fixed for SC. Throughout the experiment, we observed that flower size, which differs between SI and SC populations, was highly correlated with the compatibility phenotype. These findings suggest that the mechanisms leading to the loss of SI during a lifespan are similar to those involved in fixed losses of SI, but that older plants that transition to SC do not present the same reproductive capacity as fixed selfers.

Weather Factors and Plant Age Influencing the Bionomics of The Tomato Leaf Miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) and Its Control in Dakhlia Governorate, Egypt

Weather Factors and Plant Age Influencing the Bionomics of The Tomato Leaf Miner, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) and Its Control in Dakhlia Governorate, Egypt

Populations of Heterodera schachtii Differ in Susceptibility to Rhizosphere Bacteria Structured by Plant Age

Rhizosphere microbes, particularly bacteria, are essential for controlling plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) through various mechanisms. However, the plant’s age and the genetic composition of nematode populations can significantly influence the inhibitory effectiveness of these microbes against the beet cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii. In this study, rhizosphere microbes were isolated from 39-day-old and 69-day-old resistant oilseed radish plants to evaluate their impact on the penetration of the second-stage juveniles (J2s) originating from four genetically distinct H. schachtii populations. The suppression of J2s penetration by the attached microbes varied across the nematode populations, which displayed differing levels of aggressiveness toward the resistant oilseed radish. Furthermore, differences in the alpha and beta diversity of rhizosphere bacteria were observed between the 39-day-old and 69-day-old plants, leading to variations in the bacterial attachment among the four nematode populations. In summary, the effectiveness of resistant catch crops against H. schachtii is influenced by the pathogenicity of the nematode populations and their interactions with the rhizosphere microbial community shaped by the plant’s age.

Differential Stress Responses to Rice Blast Fungal Infection Associated with the Vegetative Growth Phase in Rice.

During vegetative growth, plants undergo various morphological and physiological changes in the transition from the juvenile phase to the adult phase. In terms of stress resistance, it has been suggested that plants gain or reinforce disease resistance during the process of maturation, which is recognized as adult plant resistance or age-related resistance. While much knowledge has been obtained about changes in disease resistance as growth stages progress, knowledge about changes in plant responses to pathogens with progressing age in plants is limited. In this study, we experimentally compared rice blast resistance in rice leaves sampled from plants at different growth phases. The results indicate differential infection progression and fungal status depending on growth stage. Transcriptome analysis following blast fungus infection revealed that several genes involved in the defense response were upregulated in both the juvenile and intermediate stage, but the expression changes of many genes were growth phase-specific. These findings highlight differences in rice leaf stress responses to blast infection at different growth stages.

Evaluation of Fish Biosolids as a Fertilizer for Organic Tomato Transplant Production

Interest among consumers in the availability of organically produced fruits and vegetables is increasing. Seafood demand is increasingly being met by fish raised using aquaculture methods that provide fish excretory products that can meet organic standards for nutrient sources for organic vegetables. We conducted an experiment in a glass greenhouse to evaluate fish biosolids as a substrate amendment for organic tomato transplant production. We compared the fish biosolids treatment to several different organic fertilizers, along with a commonly used inorganic slow-release fertilizer (Osmocote). All treatments used a target N concentration of 400 mg/L incorporated into the substrate and we also included fish biosolids treatments of 200 and 800 mg N/L. Plant performance was monitored for 4 weeks starting with commercially available 2-week-old seedlings. The results showed that the 800 mg N/L fish biosolids treatment compared very favorably with the conventional Osmocote treatment at the conclusion of the trial. The 800 mg N/L fish biosolids treatment exceeded the Osmocote treatment for chlorophyll content and for leaf number for the first 3 weeks of the 4-week trial. Grower management protocols could further improve seedling performance by providing additional top dressings of fish biosolids or fish effluent waters as plants age.

Optimization of Liquid Organic Fertilizer Concentration of Banana Stem on Cucumber Plant Growth (Cucumis sativus L)

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is a vegetable from the Cucurbitaceae family. Cucumbers are fruit vegetables that offer numerous benefits in people’s daily lives, leading to a high demand for this commodity. This fruit is popular across all levels of society, necessitating a relatively large and sustainable supply. This study examined the growth of cucumber plants under the influence of banana stem liquid organic fertilizer (LOF). The research employed a non-factorial Randomized Block Design (RAK) with two replications to assess how banana stem LOF impacts the growth of cucumber plants. Six treatment doses were used: 0 (control), 30%, 35%, 40%, and 45%. The results revealed that plants treated with a 200ml dose of LOF exhibited a higher growth rate than other doses. At the same plant age, the tallest plants were observed at the 200ml dose, while the lowest number of leaves was recorded at the 0 dose. The study identified that applying a 200ml dose of LOF at 5MST significantly impacted plant growth compared to other treatments. The findings suggest that a 200ml dose of banana stem LOF is highly suitable for promoting the growth of cucumber plants. These results can serve as a guideline for achieving optimal cucumber plant growth.

Editorial Note: MiR172-APETALA2-like genes integrate vernalization and plant age to control flowering time in wheat

Editorial Note: MiR172-APETALA2-like genes integrate vernalization and plant age to control flowering time in wheat

Ultra-selective and Stable Ethylene Detection via Exsolution of Catalytic Ni Nanoparticles in Chemiresistive Gas Sensors

Ethylene, a gaseous indicator that provides critical information about plant aging, is biologically active in plants, even at trace levels. Therefore, it must be precisely monitored and controlled at sub-ppm...

FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG MEMPENGARUHI PRODUKSI CENGKEH DI DESA WAODE BURI KECAMATAN KULISUSU UTARA KABUPATEN BUTON UTARA

The objective of this study is to ascertain the factors that influence clove production in Waode Buri Village, North Kulisusu District, North Buton Regency.The population of this study consists of all clove farmers in Waode Buri Village, North Kulisusu District, North Buton Regency, which amounts to 460 individuals. The number of research respondents was determined using the Slovin formula with an error rate of 15%, yielding a final sample of 41 respondents.Data collection involved the use of observation, interview, and documentation methods, with the aid of questionnaires.The study's independent variables are factors affecting clove production, including land area, labor, number of productive trees, and plant age.Data analysis was conducted quantitatively using multiple linear regression analysis with the assistance of SPSS software. The findings indicated that the factors influencing clove production in Waode Buri Village, North Kulisusu Subdistrict, were land area (X1), while factors such as labor (X2), number of productive trees (X3), and plant age (X4) exhibited no significant impact on clove production. However, the factors that exerted no influence demonstrated a positive value on clove production.

SEED VIABILITY AND GROWTH OF CACAO PLANT (Theobroma cacao L.) SEEDLINGS SULAWESI 01 AND ICCRI 08 CLONES

Cocoa is one of the important agricultural commodities for various industrial activities such as cosmetics and food. Cocoa is widely consumed by the community, both in the form of instant chocolate and cocoa powder. Cocoa productivity is under its potential productivity, and have to enhance the cocoa production. The selection of clones for cocoa planting materials could determines the results of the plant. Plants convey genetic traits that can determine production capacity. Seedling viability and growth are indicators to determine whether plants can grow adeptly. Cocoa clones Sulawesi 01 and ICCRI 08 are superior clones that have the advantage of high productivity and are resistant to pests and diseases. The purpose of the study was to determine the viability of seeds and the growth of two cocoa clones Sulawesi 01 and ICCRI 08. The study design was a Completely Randomized Design with 2 levels and each had replications. The results of this study showed that the ICCRI 08 clone had the highest germinability of 92.1% and further the seedling growth parameters with a height of 6.6 cm at 21 days after planting. The highest vigor index measurement of 426.4 was in the ICCRI 08 clone and was significantly different compared to the Sulawesi 01 clone. The sigmoid curve showed the presence of growth initiation and exponential phases as indicated by increased growth as the plant age increased.

Estimation of Soil Evaporation in Apple Orchards Based on Hydrogen and Oxygen Isotopes

Accurate estimation of soil evaporation and plant transpiration is crucial for the scientific and effective management of water resources in apple orchards. Using apple orchards of varying ages as research subjects, the Craig–Gordon model was employed to quantitatively estimate the soil evaporation loss rate, and water balance analysis was utilized to differentiate between soil evaporation and plant transpiration. This study analyzed the effects of extreme precipitation on soil evaporation in apple orchards of varying ages. The results indicated the following: All stable isotopic compositions of soil water fell within the lower right region of the Local Meteoric Water Line, and extreme precipitation reduced the intercept of the Evaporation Trend Line in apple orchards of varying ages. Soil evaporation loss rates in 2021 and 2022 ranged from 13% to 24% and from 14% to 18%, respectively. In 2022, the soil evaporation of apple orchards of 12 y, 15 y, 19 y and 22 y was measured at 123, 77, 129 and 143 mm, respectively, indicating negative correlation (R = −0.75) between soil evaporation and the leaf area index. The corresponding plant transpiration levels were 617 mm, 552 mm, 522 mm and 330 mm, indicating a linear negative correlation between plant transpiration and age (R = −0.92). These results are helpful to guide the scientific development of irrigation systems for apple orchards and provide a reference for enhancing apple yield and promoting the sustainable development of the apple industry.

PROXIMATE, MINERAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SOME MEDICINAL PLANTS COLLECTED FROM ORATHUR VILLAGE, THIRUPORUR TALUK KANCHEEPURAM DISTRICT TAMILNADU, INDIA

The use of medicinal plants has a long tradition as part of the human diet and has therapeutic agents. That is why they are well accepted by consumers and are generally considered to be environmentally friendly, efficient and generally considered to be safe alternative to antibiotics due to the presence of phytochemicals found in the leaves, stem bark, roots, flowers amongst others. Medicinal plant also possesses nutritional properties and play multiple pharmacological roles such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-helminthic, hepato-protective activity amongst others. This study was aimed at accessing the proximate, mineral and phytochemical composition of Tephrosia purpurea, Adhatoda vasica, Crataeva nurvala, Bauhinia racemose, Holarrhena antidysenterica and Aegle marmelos. Result on proximate analysis showed that moisture content varied from 13.57 – 16.02 %, dry matter (83.98 – 86.43 %), crude protein (5.06 – 7.12 %), ash (9.90 – 12.04 %), crude fibre (12.74 – 14.32 %), crude fat (0.10 – 0.22 %) and carbohydrates (40.30 – 50.17 %). Concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, sodium and copper ranged from 120 – 148.0 mg/100g, 180.0 – 300 mg/100g, 66.8 – 94.2 mg/100g, 41.8 – 69.8 mg/100g, 27.9 – 44.6 mg/100g, 119 – 133 mg/100g and 8.21 – 13.1 mg/100g respectively. Quantitative evaluation of tannins showed that values varied from 39.00 – 46.50 mg/g, alkaloids (26.35 – 35.09 mg/g), saponins (20.05 – 30.40 mg/g), flavonoids (66.10 – 86.11 mg/g), terpenoids (40.71 – 45.88 mg/g) and phenols (106.8 – 125.4 mg/g). In conclusion, it was discovered that it contained some essential nutrients in significant quantities. However, values obtained varied due to age of plant, specie, processing method among others. The presence of phytochemicals in these plant suggests that it has pharmacological properties. Accessing the constituent’s in this plants could lead to a novel drug discovery and curb the increasing cases in antimicrobial resistance.

Predicting the seasonal dynamics of Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in corn using artificial neural networks.

This study addresses the challenge of predicting Dalbulus maidis (DeLong & Wolcott) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) density in cornfields by developing an artificial neural network (ANN). Over two years, we collected data on meteorological variables (atmospheric pressure, air temperature, dew point, rainfall, relative humidity, solar irradiance, and wind speed), plant age, and density of D. maidis in cornfields located in two Brazilian biomes (Atlantic Forest and Brazilian Tropical Savannah). Out of 1056 ANNs tested, the neural network featuring a 30-day time lag, six neurons, logistic activation, and resilient propagation demonstrated the lowest root mean squared error (0.057) and a high correlation (0.919) with observed D. maidis densities. This ANN exhibited an goodness of fit in low-density (Atlantic Forest) and high-density (Brazilian Tropical Savannah) scenarios for D. maidis. Critical factors influencing D. maidis seasonal dynamics, including corn plant age, rainfall, average air temperature, and relative humidity, were identified. This study highlights the potential of the ANN as a promising tool for precise predictions of pest seasonal dynamics, positioning it as a valuable asset for integrated pest management programs targeting D. maidis.

Analysis of Rice Plant Age Based on NDVI Value Using MODIS Imagery (Case Study of Koto Tangah District, Padang City)

Abstract Determining the growth phase of rice is an estimation technique that has been carried out universally using satellite images. However, an estimation model cannot applied in other areas due to different regional characteristics. Lowland areas have different environmental factors than highland areas. Padang City with the characteristics of a coastal area dan including the capital of West Sumatra Province has productive rice fields as one of the rice supplies in Padang City. This study aims to determine a model for estimating the growth phase of rice plants in Padang City using MODIS Imagery. The data used were MODIS image recordings from January 2021 to July 2024 with 60 image output data. Observation locations with grids or image pixels with rice field areas ≥ 50%. Based on the results of image analysis, a model was obtained for estimating the age of rice plants in Padang City, namely y = −0.000095x2+ 0.013743x + 0.310743 with y being the NDVI value and x is the age of the rice plant with a coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.9554 in the forceful category and an RMSE value of 0.0383. The range of NDVI values for each phase of rice growth in Koto Tangah District, Padang City, is water phase < 0.5063; vegetative phase (1) 0.5063-0.7515; vegetative phase (2) 0.7515-0.8022; generative phase (1) 0.8022-0.7546; generative phase (2) 0.7546-0.5134 and fallow phase 0.5134-0.3198.

Yield and Quality of Snap Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Cultivars from Successive Harvests in Spring and Fall Production Seasons in Oklahoma

Numerous studies have evaluated snap bean pod yield and quality at different pod maturities, but only a few have evaluated yield and pod quality across different seasons within the same year or for pods harvested at the same relative maturity successively from the same plants. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine if snap bean yield or pod sugar accumulation differed for pods at the same relative stage of maturity from plants harvested multiple times in spring and fall planting seasons in north central Oklahoma. Nine snap bean cultivars (seven green-podded and two yellow-podded) were field-grown in Spring and Fall 2022 and 2023. Pods were harvested weekly for 3 weeks from the same plants and at the same relative pod development stage. Pod yield and sugar concentration were measured. The total pod yield pooled across seasons and years of ‘Sybaris’ was lower (approximately 4100 kg⋅ha−1) than that of six of the other cultivars, which yielded between 7000 to 8600 kg⋅ha−1. In spring, pod yield increased from 900 to 1300 kg⋅ha−1 in the first harvest to 3500 to 3700 kg⋅ha−1 by the last harvest. In Fall 2022, the yield decreased from 1900 kg⋅ha−1 in the first harvest to 690 kg⋅ha−1 by the last harvest, whereas in Fall 2023 the pod yield remained steady at 2600 to 3000 kg⋅ha−1 at each weekly harvest. The Fall 2022 decrease in yield was likely caused by low temperatures during pod development and a freeze that shortened the harvest season. From the first to the last harvest, the total pod sugar concentration decreased from 145.5 to 107.2 mg⋅g−1, glucose decreased from 48.4 to 33.0 mg⋅g−1, and fructose decreased from 90.7 to 52.0 mg⋅g−1. However, the sucrose concentration increased from 9.2 to 21.9 mg⋅g−1. This decrease in the total and monomeric sugar concentrations, coupled with a disproportionally smaller increase in sucrose, is typical for overly mature snap bean pods, which are considered less desirable because of lower sweetness. Snap bean pods harvested later in the growing season in a successive harvest system at the same relative stage of maturity as earlier harvested pods had sugar concentrations resembling those of overly mature pods, indicating that snap bean plant age may influence the pod sugar concentration.

Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Lettuce Metabolome: A Framework for Targeted Nutritional Quality Improvement.

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is a popular leafy vegetable valued for its dietary fiber, antioxidants, and beneficial vitamins. This study presents a comprehensive spatio-temporal analysis of the lettuce metabolome, revealing complex dynamics in metabolite accumulation influenced by plant age, leaf position, proximodistal distribution within a leaf, and head closure. Samples were collected from plants at five maturity stages (ranging from baby leaf to full commercial maturity and eventually to bolting) and from five leaf positions (from the apex to the base of each plant). A widely targeted metabolomics approach identified 1905 compounds, with flavonoids, phenolic acids, and lipids as the largest classes. Younger plants exhibited higher levels of flavonoids, while older plants accumulated more saccharides and amino acids. Metabolites showed distinct proximodistal distributions, with flavonoids and vitamins concentrated at leaf tips and terpenoids declining from base to tip. Head closure significantly reduced levels of flavonoids, retinol (vitamin A1), and riboflavin (vitamin B2), while it was associated with increased content of other beneficial vitamins, such as thiamine (B1), pantothenate (B5), and pyridoxine (B6). Broad-sense heritability (H2) estimates for metabolites yielded mean H2 values of 0.648 and 0.743 for plants at baby-leaf and commercial maturity stages, respectively. The overall highest heritability was observed in tannins (H2 = 0.909) in younger plants and chalcones (H2 = 0.894) in older plants, suggesting strong genetic control over specific metabolite classes and subclasses. These findings offer a robust framework for optimizing lettuce's nutritional profile by linking metabolite distributions to developmental processes, plant architecture, and genetic regulation. By leveraging these insights, breeders and producers can develop targeted strategies to enhance metabolite content through optimized breeding and harvesting strategies.

PLANTING DENSITIES AND THE USE OF LOCAL WEEDS AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO ACCELERATE THE INCORPORATION OF GREEN MANURES

<p><strong>Background. </strong> Tropical legumes used as green manure require between 2.5 and 4.5 months of growth to be incorporated into the soil, an increase in planting density and the use of weed biomass is expected to help reduce the time required for the incorporation of legumes. <strong>Objective. </strong>To determine plant survival and dry matter production of five tropical legumes produced in conjunction with local weeds, as a function of planting density and legume age, to identify the most appropriate alternative to accelerate the incorporation of plant biomass in tropical regions. <strong>Methodology. </strong>The legumes <em>Canavalia ensiformis</em>, <em>Crotalaria juncea</em>, <em>Cajanus cajan</em>, <em>Sesbania</em> sp. and <em>Mucuna aterrima</em> were established in Veracruz, Mexico. Each species was established at five planting densities and biomass was collected at four ages, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after sowing (DAS). <strong>Results.</strong> Plant height, leaf/stem ratio, percentage of broadleaf and narrowleaf weeds, as well as dry matter produced by legumes, weeds, and the total of both, changed as a function of plant age. <strong>Implications.</strong> To use green manures in a crop rotation system under rainfed conditions, it is necessary to know the amount of biomass of local weeds and legumes produced over time. The results of the study will help to define the most appropriate cutting age for each of the green manure species evaluated. <strong>Conclusion. </strong>It is concluded that, independent of planting density, as the age of the legumes increases, plant survival and the leaf/stem ratio decrease, but the amount of dry matter increases. <em>C. cajan</em> and <em>C. juncea</em> have a greater capacity to compete with local weeds, which is attributed to the height they can reach in the first 30 DAS. Regardless of the species and planting density, the maximum production of total dry matter per hectare is achieved between 30 and 60 DAS, when it is recommended to incorporate the biomass to produce under rainfed conditions.</p>