Purple Flowers Research Articles

The deceptive pollination of Anacamptis morio: generalised food deception or an initial step towards adaptive mimicry?

ABSTRACT Background To attract their pollinators non-rewarding orchids rely on various deception strategies that range from generalised food deception to floral mimicry of a specific model (Batesian mimicry). Aims We evaluated whether the deceptive orchid Anacamptis morio may represent an initial step in the evolutionary trajectory from generalised food deception to Batesian mimicry by resembling the rewarding Polygala nicaeensis, a species with purple flowers very similar to those of A. morio. Methods We assessed the pollination success of A. morio in relation to co-flowering rewarding species. Then, we estimated male and female reproductive success of A. morio depending on the presence of and similarity to the putative model P. nicaeensis. Results The pollination success of A. morio covaried with that of P. nicaeensis and its pollination efficiency was higher when the two species co-occurred. However, we did not find supporting evidence that A. morio mimicked its potential rewarding model. We also found that the orchids with stronger colour reflectance exhibited greater pollination success, according to a scenario of ecological facilitation rather than adaptive mimicry. Conclusion Co-flowering rewarding species with a colour similar to the orchid may enhance the specific pollinator abundance and condition their foraging preference, hence producing a positive effect on the reproductive success of A. morio.

The contribution of pollinators varies among soybean cultivar traits

Soybean is one of the most widely cultivated species worldwide. Empirical studies have shown that animal pollination can contribute between 0 to 50% to soybean yields. However, the role of animal pollination in soybean production is often overlooked in management decisions. Understanding the factors driving variability in pollinator contribution can aid in developing effective management strategies. In this study, we experimentally assessed the contribution of both autonomous and animal pollination across nine widely cultivated soybean cultivars in the Chaco region of Argentina. Additionally, we explored whether specific traits of these cultivars could explain the observed variability in pollination contribution. We used field exclosure experiments to study cultivars that differed in flower color, genetic modifications, and maturity groups, and analyzed the variability in pollinators´ contributions across years and locations. We found that the overall reduction in production between open and bagged plants was, on average, 40% (CI 25-51%). The contribution of pollinators varied depending on flower color, maturity groups, and locations, but not across different years or genetic modifications. Cultivars with purple flowers showed greater differences between open and bagged plants compared to those with white flowers, indicating that flower color may influence the attractiveness of flowers to pollinators. Additionally, pollinators’ contribution varied across maturity groups, potentially due to the differential timing of the flowering affecting the local abundance of pollinators within the crop. Notably, the variable used to estimate pollinators’ contribution (i.e., seeds, pods, or yield) conditioned the results. Pollinators´ contribution can be highly variable, and traits associated with cultivars can help improve our understanding of such heterogeneity. Our results showed that the contribution of pollinators to soybean cultivars in the Chaco region of Argentina ranges from modest to high. This suggests that conserving pollinators and managing agricultural fields at plot and landscape scales can significantly impact soybean production.

Comparation of chicoric acid and rosmarinic acid in fresh and dry herbs of sweet and purple basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) populations

Ocimum basilicum is used either as a fresh or dry herb. Most used species are characterized by sweet and purple leaves and are typically used for culinary purposes and in traditional medicine. Therefore, it is important to analyse the content of functional compounds, rosmarinic acid and chicoric acid, in dry and fresh form of the plant. It was determined that rosmarinic acid and chicoric acid content of dry and fresh form of sweet, purple, and purple flower colored of the plant by high pressure liquid chromatography equipped diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). According to obtained results, it was observed that the distribution of rosmarinic acid in fresh samples varied between 128.38 and 4072.20 mg kg-1 DW, and in dry samples between 1792.20 and 8149.45 mg kg-1 DW. It is clearly observed that rosmarinic acid content in dry samples higher than fresh samples. The concentration of chicoric acid in fresh samples varied between 51.53 and 2278.40 mg kg-1 DW and it varied in dry samples between 38.55 and 555.85 mg kg-1 DW. Chicoric acid levels in dry samples were observed to be lower than fresh samples. These changes were found statistically significant (p

Genetic Variation Affects the Anti-Melanogenic Efficacy of Platycodon grandiflorus Flowers

This study investigated the utilization of by-products from Platycodon grandiflorus and the role of genetic diversity in their anti-melanogenic properties, focusing on the purple-flower (PF) and white-flower (WF) varieties. Our results show that the WF variety exhibited significantly higher anti-melanogenic activity, attributed to higher concentrations of key saponins such as platycodin D3 and platycodin D. These saponins demonstrated strong tyrosinase inhibitory effects as confirmed by molecular docking analysis. Further, the WF variety showed increased expression of genes involved in saponin biosynthesis, highlighting the role of genetic diversity in determining phytochemical composition and pharmacological efficacy. The superior anti-melanogenic activity of WF suggests its potential as a valuable ingredient in the cosmetic industry for skin-whitening products. Our findings emphasize the importance of utilizing by-products and selecting specific genotypes to enhance the quality and efficacy of plant-derived products. Future research should explore the full spectrum of bioactive compounds in P. grandiflorus, investigate sustainable extraction methods, and conduct clinical trials to validate the safety and effectiveness of these compounds in cosmetic and therapeutic applications.

Biological and Molecular Characterization of the Cucumber Mosaic Virus Infecting Purple Coneflowers in China

Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea L.), which is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, is extensively cultivated because of its medicinal applications. However, in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China, purple coneflowers in the field exhibited symptoms such as mottle, mosaic, and crinkle. This study aimed to explore the biological and molecular characteristics of the cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) infecting the purple coneflowers in China. We observed isometric particles approximately 30 nm in diameter in the symptomatic leaf specimens. Infection with the CMV was confirmed via high-throughput sequencing and RT-PCR validation. Mechanical inoculation assays demonstrated that the CMV-SGJ isolate could infect both Nicotiana benthamiana and Nicotiana tabacum. Three viral genomic components were identified: RNA1 with 3321 nucleotides, RNA2 with 3048 nucleotides, and RNA3 with 2209 nucleotides. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the CMV-SGJ isolate clustered into phylogenetic subgroup IA, exhibiting a nucleotide identity of 92.2–95% with subgroup IA CMV isolates in GenBank. This report is the first documentation of the complete genome of the CMV infecting purple flowers in China.

An anthocyanin activation gene underlies the purple central flower pigmentation in wild carrot.

Many organisms have complex pigmentation patterns. However, how these patterns are formed remains largely unknown. In wild carrot (Daucus carota subsp. carota), which is also known as Queen Anne's lace, one or several purple central flowers occur in white umbels. Here, we investigated the unique central flower pigmentation pattern in wild carrot umbels. Using wild and cultivated carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus L.) accessions, transcriptome analysis, protein interaction, stable transformation, and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout, a anthocyanin-activating R2R3-myeloblastosis (MYB) gene, Purple Central Flower (DcPCF), was identified as the causal gene that triggers only central flowers to possess the purple phenotype. The expression of DcPCF was only detected in tiny central flowers. We propose that the transition from purple to nonpurple flowers in the center of the umbel occurred after three separate adverse events: insertion of transposons in the promoter region, premature termination of the coding sequence (caused by a C-T substitution in the open reading frame), and the emergence of unknown anthocyanin suppressors. These three events could have occurred either consecutively or independently. The intriguing purple central flower pattern and its underlying mechanism may provide evidence that it is a remnant of ancient conditions of the species, reflecting the original appearance of Umbelliferae (also called Apiaceae) when a single flower was present.

Impatiens uncata (Balsaminaceae), a new species from Hunan, China

Impatiens uncata, a new species from Ningyuan County, Hunan, is described and illustrated. The new species is superficially similar to I. huangyanensis in having racemose and 2-flowered (rarely many-flowered) inflorescences, fusiform capsule and ellipsoid seed, but is distinguishable from the latter by its obviously taller height, leaves with ovate or ovate-lanceolate blades and longer petioles, purple flowers, longer bracts, broadly ovate-rounded lateral sepals, white broadly funnelform lower sepal, 2-lobed spur with a swollen apex, purplish dorsal petal, white basal lobes, and bigger distal lobes with a retuse apex.

Registration of R18‐14147: A high‐protein conventional soybean germplasm line

AbstractR18‐14147 (Reg. no. GP‐528, PI 705143) is a high‐protein conventional soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] germplasm of maturity group Mid‐IV developed and released by the University of Arkansas System – Division of Agriculture Research & Extension in 2023. The germplasm is an F3:4 selection from the cross LG10‐3671‐1 × R09‐430. Plants of R18‐14147 have an indeterminate growth habit with purple flowers, gray pubescence, brown pod wall, and imperfect black hilum. Across 28 environments in Arkansas (2019–2022), R18‐14147 yield averaged 4482 kg ha−1, with broad adaptability and yield stability. Seed of R18‐14147 contains on average 429 g kg−1 and 191 g kg−1 of protein and oil on a dry weight basis, respectively, and seed weight is 15.2 g 100 seeds−1. The average seed protein content of this line is 8%–27% higher than the average protein content of the check cultivars used in various trials to evaluate R18‐14147. Additionally, R18‐14147 has been identified as resistant to stem canker. R18‐14147 presents soybean growers in the mid‐southern United States with a promising germplasm alternative combining high yield potential and elevated seed protein content for alternative crop rotation in herbicide‐tolerant cultivar systems, offering potentially seed‐saving cost benefits and serving as a valuable germplasm for new cultivar development.

Growth and production of cat's whiskers plant biomass (Orthosiphon aristatus Bl. Miq.) In various accessions and harvest intervals

Cat's whiskers plant is an ornamental plant used as a medicinal plant. The part of the cat's whiskers plant used is leaves. Accessions and harvest intervals are essential for increasing optimal yields to plant biomass growth and results. This study aims to determine the effect of differences in accession, intervals, and interactions between accession differences and intervals on the growth and production of a cat's whiskers biomass. The design used in this study is a complete group design of being randomized with two treatment factors. The first factor has two treatment levels: white flowering accessions (A1) and purple flowering accessions (A2). The second factor is a harvest interval with four treatment levels, namely a 1-week harvest interval (P1), two weeks (P2), three weeks (P3), and six weeks (P4). The results showed that accession treatment significantly affected the number of books, number of branches, flowering ages, leaf fresh weight, leaf dry weight, and leaf simplicia yields. Harvest interval treatment significantly affects the height of the shoots, number of shoots, number of branches, number of leaves, flowering ages, leaf fresh weight, stem fresh weight, flower fresh weight, leaf dry weight, stem dry weight, flower dry weight, and leaf simplicia yield. Accession interactions with harvest intervals significantly affect the height of the shoots, number of shoots, number of branches, number of leaves, flower fresh weight, stem dry weight, and leaf simplicia yields.

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals transcriptional regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in purple radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

Radish exhibits significant variation in color, particularly in sprouts, leaves, petals, fleshy roots, and other tissues, displaying a range of hues such as green, white, red, purple, and black. Although extensive research has been conducted on the color variation of radish, the underlying mechanism behind the variation in radish flower color remains unclear. To date, there is a lack of comprehensive research investigating the variation mechanism of radish sprouts, leaves, fleshy roots, and flower organs. This study aims to address this gap by utilizing transcriptome sequencing to acquire transcriptome data for white and purple radish flowers. Additionally, the published transcriptome data of sprouts, leaves, and fleshy roots were incorporated to conduct a systematic analysis of the regulatory mechanisms underlying anthocyanin biosynthesis in these four radish tissues. The comparative transcriptome analysis revealed differential expression of the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway genes DFR, UGT78D2, TT12 and CPC in the four radish tissues. Additionally, the WGCNA results identified RsDFR.9c and RsUGT78D2.2c as hub genes responsible for regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis. By integrating the findings from the comparative transcriptome analysis, WGCNA, and anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway-related gene expression patterns, it is hypothesized that genes RsDFR.9c and RsUGT78D2.2c may serve as pivotal regulators of anthocyanins in the four radish tissues. Furthermore, the tissue-specific expression of the four copies of RsPAP1 is deemed crucial in governing anthocyanin synthesis and accumulation. Our results provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of anthocyanin biosynthesis and accumulation in different tissues of radish.

Phytochemical characterization and multifaceted bioactivity assessment of essential oil from Clinopodium nepeta subsp. ascendens: potential for the food and pharmaceutical sectors

ABSTRACT This study delves into the biological characteristics of Clinopodium nepeta subsp. ascendens (CNEO) essential oil, an indigenous subspecies of eastern Morocco. Distinguished by its purple or pale pinkish-white flowers, CNEO was subjected to thorough phytochemical analysis via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), revealing 21 terpene compounds, notably Dihydrocarvone (22.70%), Neoisomenthol (43.59%), and Pulegone (20.55%). These compounds, recognized for their biological and pharmacological attributes, were further investigated for their potential applications. Notably, CNEO exhibited dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effects by attenuating nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. Moreover, it demonstrated promising anticancer activity against MDA-MB-468, HepG2, and HCT-15 cancer cell lines, rivaling doxorubicin’s effectiveness. These findings underscore CNEO’s nutraceutical potential, particularly in food science and industry, suggesting its use as a functional food additive with both nutritional and health benefits

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of purple flowering stalk (Brassica campestris var. purpuraria) and comparisons with related species

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of purple flowering stalk (Brassica campestris var. purpuraria) and comparisons with related species

Beyond Traditional Boundaries: A Review on Calotropis gigantea’s Efficacy in Wound Healing

Introduction: Wounds result from the disruption of cellular and anatomical continuity in living tissues due to external factors. Calotropis gigantea, also known as crown flower or giant milkweed (or "biduri" in Indonesia), is a small tree or shrub with white or purple flowers, widely used in traditional remedies. Its properties, including antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and wound-healing activities, have prompted this literature review to assess its efficacy in wound healing. Method: A thorough analysis of scientific findings and research conducted in the last 10 years, specifically after January 1, 2014, was undertaken. Data were collected from reputable databases, such as PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. After applying publication limitations, three manuscripts were selected as the final outcomes of the review process. Result: The analysis of multiple studies reveals that C. gigantea possesses wound healing properties attributed to phytochemical constituents like flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and saponin. These constituents play vital roles in each stage of wound healing, including the inflammatory reaction, proliferation, and remodeling stages. Additionally, C. gigantea promotes wound healing, leaving minimal scar residues. Conclusion: Calotropis gigantea has demonstrated its ability to enhance wound healing through various mechanisms, including astringency, antibacterial activity, promotion of homeostasis, facilitation of collagen synthesis, enhancement of re-epithelialization, and stimulation of cell proliferation via its phytochemical constituents. However, due to the scarcity of recent studies, the plant's true efficacy in wound healing remains unclear.

Integrated Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Profiles Provide Insights into the Mechanisms of Anthocyanin and Carotenoid Biosynthesis in Petals of Medicago sativa ssp. sativa and Medicago sativa ssp. falcata.

The petals of Medicago sativa ssp. sativa and M. sativa ssp. falcata are purple and yellow, respectively. Free hybridization between M. sativa ssp. sativa and M. sativa ssp. falcata has created hybrids with various flower colors in nature. Moreover, the flower colors of alfalfa are closely correlated with yield, nutritional quality, stress tolerance and other agronomic characteristics. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of flower color formation in M. sativa ssp. sativa and M. sativa ssp. falcata, we conducted an integrative analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome of alfalfa with three different petal colors (purple, yellow and cream). The metabolic profiles suggested that anthocyanins and carotenoids are the crucial pigments in purple and yellow flowers, respectively. A quantitative exploration of the anthocyanin and carotenoid components indicated that the accumulations of cyanidin, delphinidin, peonidin, malvidin, pelargonidin and petunidin derivatives are significantly higher in purple flowers than in cream flowers. In addition, the content of carotenes (phytoene, α-carotene and β-carotene) and xanthophylls (α-cryptoxanthin, lutein, β-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, antheraxanthin and violaxanthin derivatives) was markedly higher in yellow flowers than in cream flowers. Furthermore, we found that delphinidin-3,5-O-diglucoside and lutein were the predominant pigments accumulated in purple and yellow flowers, respectively. The transcriptomic results revealed that twenty-five upregulated structural genes (one C4H, three 4CL, twelve CHS, two CHI, one F3H, one F3'H, one F3'5'H and four DFR) are involved in the accumulation of anthocyanins in purple flowers, and nine structural genes (two PSY, one ZDS, two CRTISO, two BCH, one ZEP and one ECH) exert an effect on the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway in yellow flowers. The findings of this study reveal the underlying mechanisms of anthocyanin and carotenoid biosynthesis in alfalfa with three classic flower colors.

Tuberowithania pengiana (Withaninae, Physalideae, Solanaceae), a new species and genus from southwest Yunnan, China

AbstractWe describe a small population of remarkable plants found in Shuangjiang County, SW Yunnan, as Tuberowithania pengiana gen. & sp. nov., a unique genus within the subtribe Withaninae, tribe Physalideae of the Solanaceae family. The new genus and species feature a distinctive combination of morphological traits, including a large clumped tuberous root, urceolate and densely pubescent dark purplish flowers, densely pubescent purplish filaments, and yellowish‐white, ovoid berries snugly covered by 10‐ribbed accrescent calyx. Molecular phylogenetic analysis, based on a combined matrix of four DNA markers (nrITS, trnL‐F, waxy, LFY), revealed that T. pengiana is deeply nested within the subtribe Withaninae. It forms a sister relationship with Archiphysalis chamaesarachoides, although with weak support.

Analyzing the Dyeing Property of Salvia leucantha Flowers

Throughout history, people have dyed their textiles using common, locally available materials, but scarce dyestuffs that produced brilliant and permanent colors such as the natural invertebrate dyes. The current study focused on the isolation colouring molecule from the plant Salvia leucantha which is an ornamental plant with brilliant purple flowers. The flowers were extracted for dye and tested with cotton fibers. The source of pigmentation is identified as betacyanins belongs to the group of Betalains. It provides range of red shade to the cotton fiber.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Mechanism of Exogenous Selenium in Alleviating Cadmium Stress in Purple Flowering Stalks (Brassica campestris var. purpuraria).

In China, cadmium (Cd) stress has a significant role in limiting the development and productivity of purple flowering stalks (Brassica campestris var. purpuraria). Exogenous selenium supplementation has been demonstrated in earlier research to mitigate the effects of Cd stress in a range of plant species; nevertheless, the physiological and molecular processes by which exogenous selenium increases vegetable shoots' resistance to Cd stress remain unclear. Purple flowering stalks (Brassica campestris var. purpuraria) were chosen as the study subject to examine the effects of treatment with sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) on the physiology and transcriptome alterations of cadmium stress. Purple flowering stalk leaves treated with exogenous selenium had higher glutathione content, photosynthetic capacity, and antioxidant enzyme activities compared to the leaves treated with Cd stress alone. Conversely, the contents of proline, soluble proteins, soluble sugars, malondialdehyde, and intercellular CO2 concentration tended to decrease. Transcriptome analysis revealed that 2643 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were implicated in the response of exogenous selenium treatment to Cd stress. The metabolic pathways associated with flavonoid production, carotenoid synthesis, glutathione metabolism, and glucosinolate biosynthesis were among those enriched in these differentially expressed genes. Furthermore, we discovered DEGs connected to the production route of glucosinolates. This work sheds fresh light on how purple flowering stalks' tolerance to cadmium stress is improved by exogenous selenium.

The complete chloroplast genome of Meconopsis bella Prain 1894 (Papaveraceae), a high-altitude plant distributed on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau

Meconopsis bella Prain 1894 (M. bella) is a rare herb within the family Papaveraceae of which unique and gorgeous purple flowers are blooming in the flowering phase. In this study, we reported the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of M. bella, which was mainly distributed on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. The complete chloroplast genome sequence of M. bella was 153,073 bp in size and was characterized by a typical quadripartite structure consisting of a large single-copy (LSC) region of 83,562 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 178,33 bp and two identical inverted repeats (IR) regions of 25,839 bp. The genome contained 133 genes, including 88 protein-encoding genes, eight ribosomal RNA genes, and 37 transfer RNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on the maximum-likelihood (ML) method showed that M. bella was closely related to M. paniculate and M. pinnatifolia within the genus Meconopsis.

Exploring Bougainvillea glabra flowers: a promising source of natural antimicrobial and anticancer agents

In response to the challenge posed by antimicrobial resistance and the demand for innovative anticancer drugs, the aim of this study was to examine the potential source of natural antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer compounds from purple flowers of Bougainvillea glabra. The dried purple flower of B. glabra was sequentially extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water. The extracts were used for investigating antioxidants, antimicrobial activity, anticancer properties, and phytochemical composition. The methanol extraction exhibited the highest total phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant activity. The hexane and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against a broad range of microorganisms in both American type of culture collection (ATCC) and clinical strains, while the methanol extract displayed a narrower antimicrobial profile that implied the promise of B. glabra as a developmental reservoir of specific antimicrobial agents. Notably, the hexane extract demonstrated the most promising anticancer activity against various cancer cell lines, including lung cancer (A549), colon cancer (HT-29), breast cancer (MCF-7), and bile duct cancer (KKU-213A). In conclusion, this study reveals the pharmaceutical potential of crude extracts from B. glabra flowers; thereby, paving the way for future exploration of these compounds within the drug development industry.

Analysis of Practical Design for Making Natural Acid-Base Indicator Paper from Purple Golden Flower Extract (Ruellia simplex) as Teaching Material for Acid-Base Material

Experiments are an essential part of chemistry. An indicator in the form of a synthetic indicator is generally used in acid-base practice. Using synthetic indicators can cause waste that is dangerous for the environment and is relatively expensive. Purple golden flowers are one of the plants that contain high levels of anthocyanin compounds, which have the potential to be an alternative in making natural acid-base indicators. This research aims to determine the curriculum and learning outcomes of acid-base material, the potential of natural indicator paper for purple golden flowers as a substitute for synthetic indicators, and the feasibility of indicator paper as a design for chemical experiments in SMA/MA. This research uses descriptive qualitative methods, which include literature studies, interviews, observations, and experiments. The purple golden flower indicator is produced by extraction using the maceration method using 96% ethanol solvent. The research results show that paper from purple golden flower extract can be used as a natural acid-base indicator by producing a pink color change in acidic solutions and a green color in essential solutions. Based on the natural indicator paper analysis, the purple golden flower can be used as an alternative indicator in practicum design in schools