Root Parts Research Articles

Genome-wide identification and characterization of WRKYs family involved in responses to Cylindrocarpon destructans in Panax notoginseng

BackgroundWRKY transcription factors (TFs) are key regulators of plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Previous studies demonstrated that the role of WRKY TFs play in the disease resistance of Panax notoginseng, the causal agent of root rot disease. However, comprehensive genome-wide analyses of WRKY genes in this species remain scarce.ResultWe identified 79 WRKY genes in the P. notoginseng genome, classifing them into three groups based on structural features and phylogenetic relationships: Class I (14 genes), Class II (55 genes), and Class III (10 genes). Of these, 58 PnWRKY genes were mapped to the P. notoginseng chromosomes and showed collinearity with Arabidopsis thaliana, Daucus carota, and three Solanaceae species. Expression analysis revealed that 53 PnWRKY genes were actively transcribed across various tissues, including roots, flowers, stems, rhizomes, and different root parts. Furthermore, PnWRKY genes responded to Cylindrocarpon destructans infection and were induced by jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA). Notably, the ectopic expression of PnWRKY35 in tobacco enhanced resistance to C. destructans, accompanied by increased levels of gibberellins (GA24, GA3, GA8), JA, SA, and brassinolide. KEGG enrichment analysis of 547 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) indicated their involvement pathways related to disease resistance, including the biosynthesis of sesquiterpenes and triterpenes, JA biosynthesis, plant-pathogen interactions and the MAPK signaling pathway.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that the WRKY family in P. notoginseng plays a significant role in resistance to root rot disease. PnWRKY genes are responsive to MeJA and SA induction as well as C. destructans infection. Moreover, ectopic expression of PnWRKY35 activates multiple plant disease resistance pathways, increases phytohormone levels, and enhance resistance to C. destructans. These findings provide a foundation for future exploration of the mechanism underlying P. notoginseng resistance to root rot disease.

Morpho-physiological and water use performance of soybean cultivars under drought stress at early growth stages

Drought is an important environmental stress for soybean (Glycine max (L) Merr.), which frequently occurs under second-crop conditions in the Mediterranean region of Türkiye and negatively affects early plant growth. In this study, we investigated the effects of drought stress (soil water content maintained at a constant 50% field capacity) on the early growth stage (V3 stage) of different soybean cultivars (Ataem-7, BATEM Erensoy, Göksoy, and Lider). Twenty-seven-day-old soybean plants were exposed to drought stress for 20 days. Morphological (plant height, root length, seedling fresh and dry weight, root fresh and dry weight, and leaf area), physiological (leaf temperature, chlorophyll rate (CR), leaf relative water content (RWC), and electrolyte leakage (EL)), and water use (total water consumption (TWC), and water use efficiency (WUE)) traits were assessed. The results revealed a significant decrease in plant height, root length, leaf area, root and shoot fresh and dry weights, and RWC, and an increase in CR under drought stress. Although Lider and BATEM Erensoy exhibited better growth than the other cultivars under control conditions, their root and shoot growth decreased significantly under water stress. Notably, Ataem-7 presented a lower TWC and WUE difference between the drought treatment and the control, and this cultivar efficiently used water for dry matter production in the shoot and root parts. As a result, there were significant genotypic differences in drought susceptibility among the soybean cultivars, and Ataem-7 showed greater tolerance to drought than the other soybean cultivars did during the early growth stage.

Efficacy of malic and tartaric acid in mitigation of cadmium stress in Spinacia oleracea L. via modulations in physiological and biochemical attributes

The increasing level of cadmium (Cd) contamination in soil due to anthropogenic actions is a significant problem. This problem not only harms the natural environment, but it also causes major harm to human health via the food chain. The use of chelating agent is a useful strategy to avoid heavy metal uptake and accumulation in plants. In this study, randomized design pot experiment was conducted to evaluate potential role of malic acid (MA) and tartaric acid (TA) foliar spray to mitigate Cd stress in Spinacia oleracea L plants. For Cd stress, S. oleracea plants were treated with CdCl2 solution (100 µM). For control, plants were given distilled water. One week after Cd stress, MA and TA foliar spray was employed at concentration of 100 and 150 µM for both. The results of this study revealed that Cd stress (100 µM) significantly reduced growth attributes, photosynthetic pigments and related parameters and gas exchange attributes. Cadmium stress also stimulated antioxidant defense mechanism in S. oleracea. Cd stressed plants had elevated levels of Cd metal ions in root and consumable parts (i.e. leaves) and caused severe oxidative damages in the form of increased lipid peroxidation and electrolytic leakage. MA and TA supplements at both low and high levels (100 and 150 µM) effectively reversed the devastating effects of Cd stress and improved growth, photosynthesis and defense related attributes of S. oleracea plants. These supplements also prevented excessive accumulation of Cd metal ions as indicated by lowered Cd metal contents in MA and TA treated plants. These findings demonstrated that MA and TA treatments can potentially reduce Cdl induced phytotoxicity in plants by reducing its uptake and enhancing photosynthesis and defense related parameters.

Elucidating the Biological Potential and DNA Protective Activities of Astragalus tokatensis Fisch: GC-MS and LC-HRMS-based Characterization and Molecular Docking Studies.

Astragalus tokatensis is a local endemic species and no study exists on this species. In this study, hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and water extracts were obtained from the parts of root, leaf and flower of A. tokatensis. The phytochemical analyses of hexane and methanol extracts were identified and characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), respectively, for the first time. The total 11 fatty acid and 8 flavonoid derivatives was detected in GC-MS and LC-HRMS analyses, respectively. Total antioxidant levels (TAL) and total oxidant levels (TOL) values of extracts were investigated. TAL and TOL values were given as mM Trolox equiv./L. and μM H2O2 equiv./L, respectively. The α-amylase enzyme activity of all extracts was examined, and it was found that the extracts had no significant effect on the α-amylase activity. Also, the DNA protective activities of the leaf and flower extracts were determined by using gel electrophoresis method and it was seen that all flower extracts had high DNA protective activity. Moreover, Docking assays showed that the limited interactions of sinapinic acid and salicylic acid, the most abundant in the methanol extracts, with α-amylase, supported the weak inhibitory effects observed experimentally in the methanol extracts.

Pearl Millet Cover Crop Extract Inhibits the Development of the Weed Ipomoea grandifolia by Inducing Oxidative Stress in Primary Roots and Affecting Photosynthesis Efficiency.

The cover crop Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br. (pearl millet) reduces the emergence of weed species in the field through a mechanism that is not fully known. The identification of the allelopathic activity of pearl millet can contribute to the development of no-tillage techniques to produce crops without or with low doses of herbicides. This issue was investigated by testing the effects of extracts from the aerial parts of pearl millet on the germination and growth of the weeds Bidens pilosa L., Euphorbia heterophylla L., and Ipomoea grandifolia (Dammer) O'Donell under laboratory conditions. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) at a concentration of 2000 µg mL-1 was inactive on Bidens pilosa; it inhibited root length (-72%) and seedling fresh weight (-41%) of E. heterophylla, and in I. grandifolia the length of primary root and aerial parts and the fresh and dry weight of seedlings were reduced by 63%, 32%, 25%, and 12%, respectively. In roots of I. grandifolia seedlings, at the initial development stage, EAF induced oxidative stress and increased electrolyte leakage. At the juvenile vegetative stage, a lower concentration of EAF (250 µg mL-1) induced a stimulus in seedling growth (+60% in root length and +23% in aerial parts length) that was associated with increased photosynthetic efficiency. However, at higher concentrations (1000 µg mL-1), it induced the opposite effects, inhibiting the growth of root (-41%) and aerial parts (-25%), with reduced superoxide dismutase activity and photosynthetic efficiency. The stilbenoid pallidol was identified as the main compound in EAF. The allelopathic activity of pearl millet may be attributed, at least in part, to the impairment of energy metabolism and the induction of oxidative stress in weed seedlings, with pallidol possibly involved in this action. Such findings demonstrated that the application of the EAF extract from pearl millet can be a natural and renewable alternative tool for weed control.

Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Micronutrients and Their Deficiency Effect on the Root Morphology and Architecture in Citrus Rootstock.

Roots play essential roles in the acquisition of water and minerals from soils in higher plants. However, water or nutrient limitation can alter plant root morphology. To clarify the spatial distribution characteristics of essential nutrients in citrus roots and the influence mechanism of micronutrient deficiency on citrus root morphology and architecture, especially the effects on lateral root (LR) growth and development, two commonly used citrus rootstocks, trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf., Ptr) and red tangerine (Citrus reticulata Blanco, Cre), were employed here. The analysis of the mineral nutrient distribution characteristics in different root parts showed that, except for the P concentrations in Ptr, the last two LR levels (second and third LRs) had the highest macronutrient concentrations. All micronutrient concentrations in the second and third LRs of Ptr were higher than those of Cre, except for the Zn concentration in the second LR, which indicates that Ptr requires more micronutrients to maintain normal root system growth and development. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that B and P were very close in terms of spatial distribution and that Mo, Mn, Cu, and Fe contributed significantly to PC1, while B, Cu, Mo, and Zn contributed significantly to PC2 in both rootstocks. These results suggest that micronutrients are major factors in citrus root growth and development. The analysis of root morphology under micronutrient deficiency showed that root growth was more significantly inhibited in Ptr and Cre under Fe deficiency (FeD) than under other micronutrient deficiencies, while Cre roots exhibited better performance than Ptr roots. From the perspective of micronutrient deficiency, FeD and B deficiency (BD) inhibited all root morphological traits in Ptr and Cre except the average root diameter, while Mn deficiency (MnD) and Zn deficiency (ZnD) had lesser impacts, as well as the morphology of the stem. The mineral nutrient concentrations in Ptr and Cre seedlings under micronutrient deficiency revealed that single micronutrient deficiencies affected both their own concentrations and the concentrations of other mineral nutrients, whether in the roots or in stems and leaves. Dynamic analysis of LR development revealed that there were no significant decreases in either the first or second LR number in Ptr seedlings under BD and ZnD stress. Moreover, the growth rates of first and second LRs in Ptr and Cre did not significantly decrease compared with the control under short-term (10 days) BD stress. Altogether, these results indicate that micronutrients play essential roles in citrus root growth and development. Moreover, citrus alters its root morphology and biological traits as a nutrient acquisition strategy to maintain maximal micronutrient acquisition and growth. The present work on the spatial distribution characteristics and micronutrient deficiency of citrus roots provides a theoretical basis for effective micronutrient fertilization and the diagnosis of micronutrient deficiency in citrus.

تقييم القدرة التراكمية لنبات ابورويس Phalaris minor لبعض المعادن الثقيلة في منطقة شحات، ليبيا

This research was carried out in the Shahat Forest to evaluate the ability of P. minor to absorb heavy metals in its tissues. The study involved analyzing the concentrations of heavy metals, (Zn), (Fe), (Cd) and (Pb), in both the aerial and root parts of P. minor, as well as in the soil at a depth of 0-40 cm beneath the grasses. Importantly, the concentrations of these heavy metals were found to be within the acceptable limits set by the (WHO). The results noted that P. minor evidenced a significant ability for the uptake and accumulation of heavy metals, with (BAF) for Zn, Fe, Cd, and Pb recorded at (3.4, 1.9, 1.9, and 2), respectively. Additionally, the (BCF) of the roots parts were higher than (BCF) of the aerial parts, and (TF) remained below (1) for all analyzed elements. As a result, P. minor can be considered a potential bioaccumulator with phytostabilization strategy. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences (p<0.05) in heavy metal concentrations among the various parts of the plant. Keywords: Phalaris minor, Heavy Metals, Cumulative, Shahat, forest.

Atypical Origin of Lateral Pectoral Nerve: A Case Report

In the present case, two Lateral Pectoral Nerves (LPN) were in the right axilla. The upper branch, superior LPN arose from the proximal part of the axilla deep to the clavicle from the anterior division of the upper trunk. This branch descends medially and enters the deep surface of the pectoralis major muscle. A larger LPN is seen originating from the distal part of the right lateral root of the median nerve at the lower part of the axilla, medial to the third part of the right axillary artery. This inferior LPN is 2 cm long, descends medially, and joins with the Medial Pectoral Nerve (MPN) forming ansa pectoralis. The branches from the ansa pierce the pectoralis minor muscle and enter the pectoralis major muscle. It supplies both the pectoral muscles. LPN fibers passing from the Lateral Cord (LC) through the lateral root of median have not been reported yet. The LPN is the main nerve of pectoralis major muscle. A thorough understanding of Pectoral Nerve (PN) anatomy is a must for surgeons practicing mastectomies, breast augmentation surgery, axillary dissection, harvesting pectoralis major muscle island flap, and dealing with trauma and fracture of the shoulder.

Comparative toxicity of copper and zinc contaminated wastewater irrigation on growth, physiology, and mineral absorption of wheat.

A comparative pot study was performed to assess the toxic effects of copper (Cu) and/or zinc (Zn) contaminated wastewater (WW) irrigation on the growth, physiology, and element concentration of wheat grown for two months. The treatments included irrigation with uncontaminated wastewater (WW) as control, Cu-contaminated WW (CuWW), Zn-contaminated WW (ZnWW), and Cu + Zn contaminated WW (CuZnWW) in a completely randomized design. Compared to ZnWW, irrigation with CuWW or CuZnWW had severe effects on growth, physiology, and mineral absorption by wheat. Irrigation with CuWW or CuZnWW reduced shoot length, root length, root and shoot dry weights by 44-45%, 54-56%, 5-6%, and 33-34%, respectively, against WW control. Similarly, these treatments diminished chlorophyll a, b, carotenoids, and SPAD by 33-34%, 59-60%, 49-51%, and 26-27%, respectively. Conversely, contaminated irrigation improved the total polyphenols, polyphenolic acids, total flavonoids, and antiradical activity, however, a maximum increase in these parameters up to 65% was observed when irrigated with ZnWW. Pearson correlation showed that the decline in growth and physiology of wheat was negatively correlated with shoot metal concentration and uptake. Dehydrogenase activity is severely hampered by CuWW or CuZnWW and to a lesser extent by ZnWW as well. These results suggest that irrigation with contaminated WW adversely affects wheat growth and physiology, however, ZnWW is found to be less toxic to wheat crops than Cu. Thereby, this data highlights the need for a tailored approach to prioritize the metal (Zn) with lower toxicity during the use of WW in irrigation practice. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Cu-contaminated wastewater (20 ppm Cu) substantially reduced the growth and physiology of wheat. Zn (80 ppm) contaminated wastewater was found lesser toxic compared to Cu. Wheat irrigation with contaminated wastewater increased biologically active compounds in wheat shoot. Contaminated wastewater affected minerals concentration in the root and shoot part of wheat. Dehydrogenase activity in soil is less affected by Zn-contaminated wastewater. Irrigation with wastewater and leftover crop residues resulted in the accumulation of organic matter in soil.

Three-dimensional assessment of root changes after Le Fort I osteotomy

The study aim was to assess the volumetric, linear, and morphological changes of the maxillary incisor, canine, and premolar roots following Le Fort I osteotomy. Sixty patients (585 teeth) were included retrospectively from among individuals who underwent combined orthodontics and orthognathic surgery. The study group comprised 30 patients who underwent orthodontics and one-piece Le Fort I osteotomy, while the control group consisted of 30 patients who underwent orthodontics and bilateral sagittal split osteotomy but no maxillary surgery. CBCT scans were obtained at four time points: preoperative, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperative. A fully automated three-dimensional evaluation protocol was utilized to assess root changes of the maxillary teeth. Significant differences in the apical and middle parts of the teeth were observed between the study and control groups at 1 and 2 years postoperative, with greater percentage changes in the study group (all P < 0.05). Greater root remodelling in the canines, first and second premolars was observed in the study group (all P < 0.005). Spearman correlation analysis indicated a positive relationship between root remodelling and maxillary advancement, with larger advancements contributing to increased root remodelling in the apical and middle root parts (both P < 0.05). These findings can be valuable for surgeons and orthodontists in evaluating root changes.

PHYTOTOXICITY OF DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE IN THE GROWTH TEST

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is widely used as an industrial solvent and for a variety of medical purposes. Reports of the toxicity of DMSO to living organisms vary. The plants Lepidium sativum L. and Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus (L.) Domin. are widely used in the biotesting of toxicants. Currently, there is no information on the phytotoxicity of aqueous solutions of DMSO for these test plants, which determined the aim of this study. Methodology. Phytotoxicity of aqueous DMSO solutions was assessed using a growth test. The following plants were used as test plants: 1) seed radish (R. raphanistrum subsp. sativus) of the French breakfast variety, 10 seeds of which were placed in a Petri dish on filter paper moistened with distilled water (control) or 0.5 %, 1.0 %, 5.0 %, 10.0 %, 25.0 % or 45.0 % aqueous solution of DMSO (experiment); 2) watercress (L. sativum) of the Aphrodite variety, 10 seeds of which were placed in a Petri dish on filter paper moistened with distilled water (control) or a 0.025 %, 0.05 % or 0.1 % aqueous solution DMSO (experiment). The research was carried out in triplicate for 6 days (radish) and 5 days (watercress), during which the energy of seed germination of test plants (%) was determined on the 3rd day, on the 6th day (radish) and on the 5th day (watercress) – seed germination (%) and biometric and morphometric indicators of test plant seedlings (root and aerial part length, mm). Scientific novelty. In a growth test with R. raphanistrum subsp. sativus showed extreme phytotoxicity for 5.0-45.0 % aqueous DMSO solutions and no phytotoxicity for 0.025-1.0 % aqueous DMSO solutions in a growth test with L. sativum and R. raphanistrum subsp. sativus. Conclusions. Aqueous solutions of DMSO in concentrations of 0.025-1.0 % did not show phytotoxic properties according to the growth test with L. sativum and R. raphanistrum subsp. sativus, in contrast to 5.0-45.0 % solutions, which showed extreme phytotoxicity according to the growth test with R. raphanistrum subsp. sativus. The obtained results indicate that this substance will not inhibit plant growth at concentrations found in wastewater (0.05-0.08 %).

Impact of organomineral fertilizers-ameliorants based on natural aluminosilicates and biologically active substances on a corn growth. Part 1

This paper studies the impact of expanded vermiculite, humic substances and organomineral ameliorant fertilizers obtained by immobilizing humic substances on expanded vermiculite on the growth of corn plants. Immobilization of humic substances on natural aluminosilicates, such as expanded vermiculite allows achieving a synergistic effect combining the ameliorative properties of expanded vermiculite, which improves soil structure and water-holding capacity with the fertilizing properties of humic substances, stimulating plant growth and increasing their resistance to stress. In addition, the use of this organomineral ameliorant-fertilizer of prolonged action helps maintain soil fertility for a long time due to the gradual release of nutrients and improvement of the agrochemical characteristics of the soil. Indicators of total biomass, root and aboveground part mass, number and mass of green leaves, as well as morphometric parameters such as plant height and stem thickness were considered in laboratory experiments. The obtained results demonstrate a significant improvement in plant growth when using the developed ameliorant fertilizers under conditions of moisture deficiency and highly depleted soils. According to the results of the experiment, the total biomass with roots increased by 57.3 % when using expanded vermiculite and by 80.7% when adding humic substances. The use of the ameliorant fertilizer "GumiVer" (soil : GumiVer/9 : 1) increased the biomass by 127.6 % compared to the control, which confirms the synergistic effect between the components of the ameliorant fertilizer. The increase in the mass of the aboveground part and the mass of roots when using the ameliorant fertilizer "GumiVer" was 135.8 and 107.3 %, respectively.

ОЦЕНКА ВКЛАДА КОРНЕВОГО УГЛЕРОДНОГО ПИТАНИЯ В ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ РАСТИТЕЛЬНОЙ БИОМАССЫ В МОДЕЛЬНОМ ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТЕ

The study of mechanisms of carbon dioxide transformation in agroecosystems from the position of ideas about CO2 absorption exclusively by chlorophyll-containing parts of vegetative plants does not allow to objectively evaluate the ecosystem role of each component. To evaluate the contribution of root carbon nutrition to the formation of plant biomass, a model experiment was laid down using the author’s device, which allows isolating the root and leaf parts of the plant from each other and recording the CO2 values to calculate its balance. A paulownia seedling (Paulownia tomentosa (Thuns.) Steud., 1841) with a known initial mass, vegetating under a 12-hour light regime, was used as an experimental plant. The contribution of root carbon nutrition to biomass formation was calculated from the difference in C-CO2 in the leaf chamber atmosphere and the content of elemental carbon in the plant at the end of the experiment. The carbon content in plant parts was determined on a MultiEA 200CS carbon analyzer at a temperature of 1100 °C. As a result of 30 days of observations, it was found that the mass of C-CO2, which was present throughout the experiment (6960 ppm) in the atmosphere of the leaf chamber with a volume of 0.06 m3, corresponded to 210 mg of carbon. At the same time, the carbon content in the incremented mass of the seedling (690 mg) in absolutely dry form contained 274.9 mg of elemental carbon, which indicates the presence of another alternative source of carbon supply. According to the authors, 64.9 mg of elemental carbon (23.6 % of the total mass), which went to the formation of the incremented biomass of the experimental plant, came through the root system. The obtained results allow us to explain cases when forest areas can form a balance shifted towards the CO2 flow. An idea of the mechanism of root carbon of plants and its potential allows us to more accurately create models of CO2 transformation in soil-plant systems.

LC-MS/MS Analysis and Biological Activities of Different Parts of Ziziphora capitate L.

The Ziziphora species, classified under the Lamiaceae family, have a strong aromatic property. Ziziphora species have been used in folk medicine as sedative, gastric, aphrodisiac, bloating, and degassing. In the current study, the phenolic and flavanoid content of ethanol extracts of Ziziphora capitata L. species of flower, leaf, branch, mixed, and root parts was determined by the LC-MS/MS device. In addition, the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the extracts, as well as their inhibitory effects on enzymes (antihypertensive, AchE (acetylcholinesterase), BchE (butyrylcholinesterase), elastase, tyrosinase, collagenase and urease), were determined. The LC-MS/MS results showed that quinic acid (25578, 5842, 25171, 14055, 10597 µg g-1, respectively) was found in higher amounts in flower, leaf, branch, mixed, and root extracts of Z. capitata species compared to other components. Additionally, rosmarinic acid (17097 µg g-1), cynaroside (8432), and hesperidin (8067) were found to be major components. It was observed that the flower extract of the species exhibited strong antioxidant activity (IC50: 37.18±1.36 µg mL-1, 9.89±0.45, A0.5:16.27±0.02, respectively) in DPPH, ABTS and CUPRAC methods. It was concluded that the leaf extract of Z. capitata species had a strong cytotoxic effect on HT-29 (colon cancer cell line) (viability %: 9.26±0.69). It was observed that the root part of the species exhibited higher activity in butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzyme inhibition activity (inhibition %: 40.56±0.88) than other parts. It was determined that Z. capitata extracts did not show acetylcholinesterase, urease, tyrosinase, elastase, collagenase, and antihypertensive enzyme activity or showed low activity. As a result, it is thought that the flower extract of the Z. capitata species has better results in terms of the examined parameters, whereas the leaf extract needs to be subjected to more detailed in vitro and in vivo research conducted to be used in the pharmaceutical industry as a result of its cytotoxic effect against colon cancer cell lines.

Identification of Ethno-Veterinary Practices for Animal Diseases in Assosa Zone

Ethno-veterinary medicine is the application of traditional knowledge, theory, and practice to mitigate livestock diseases. The study conducted to document veterinary use of medicinal herbs of local users in Assosa Zone, Ethiopia from September 2022 to July 2023. Data collected between individual based field’s interviews using semi-structured questionnaire. Most of the respondents were males and with age group of 40 to 60 years old. Most of the respondents were illiterate by educational status and Muslims by religion. Around 68.6% of respondents acquire their traditional knowledge from family and most traditional healers prepared remedies from plants 73 (71.6%). In our investigation, 71 plant species from five districts identified. Those plants used against 68 types of livestock diseases and to increase livestock outputs. Those plants botanically distributed across 43 families. Data from our study suggested that the highest number of plant species was found in Solanaceae and Fabaceae family with (13.95%) followed by Combreataceae and Asteraceae (9.30%). Majority of the medicinal plants reported were found from forest (42.25%) followed by both possible to cultivated or found in forest (35.21%), and Backyard (21.13%). Majorities of medicinal plant preparations was from root parts (25.35%), followed by leaf, seed (22.54%), and bark (8.45%). The current study has revealed that the natives in the districts have been heavily dependent on traditional veterinary medicine for the treatment of variety of livestock diseases. Thus, it should recommend that conservational activities of medicinal plants and governmental encouragements of traditional healers should be addressed.

Phlecarinatones H-N: Abietane-type diterpenoids from Phlegmariurus carinatus with proliferative inhibitory effect on U251 glioblastoma cells.

Thirteen abietane-type diterpenoids, including seven previously undescribed compounds and six known analogs, were isolated from the root and aerial parts of Phlegmariurus carinatus. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis (UV, IR, NMR, and HRESIMS) and quantum chemical calculations (calculated ECD or13C NMR). Notably, these compounds exhibited high structural diversity. Compounds 1-8 possessed six distinct fused ring systems. Phlecarinatones I (2) and J (3) were identified as rare 6,7-seco-abietane diterpenoids featuring a five-membered lactone ring B. Compounds (1-12) were evaluated for their anti-proliferative activities in the U251cell line. In particular, phlecarinatone I (2) exhibited potential inhibitory effects on U251cell proliferation, with an IC50 value of 13.88±1.82μM. To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism, p53 signal pathway was enriched from our RNA-seq data. Further investigations using western blot and immunofluorescence assays confirmed that p53 expression was up-regulated in a concentration-independent manner. Additionally, molecular docking studies suggested 2 likely binds to the MDM2-p53 binding region. Finally, an shRNA-mediated MDM2 knockdown experiment provided definitive evidence that 2 acts as a potent inhibitor of glioma proliferation, operating via the modulation of the MDM2-p53 pathway. These findings suggest that 2 might be a valuable of lead compound with anti-proliferative activity.

First Report of Phytopythium vexans Causing Root Rot on Quercus bicolor in Tennessee and the United States.

Swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor) is a North American species of medium-sized trees in the beech family. One-year-old swamp white oak seedlings grown in field conditions in a commercial nursery in Warren County, Tennessee exhibited severe root rot in July 2024. Dark brown lesions were observed in the affected roots (Fig. 1a). Disease severity was approximately 40% of root area affected, and disease incidence was approximately 20% of 100 plants. Symptomatic fine root tissues were surface sterilized with 70% ethanol and rinsed twice with distilled water. Then, symptomatic root parts (1-cm pieces) were plated on V8-PARPH (V8 juice agar amended with pimaricin, ampicillin, rifampicin, pentachloronitrobenzene, and hymexazol) and incubated at 24°C under an 8-hour photoperiod. The rosette pattern accompanied by whitish mycelium resembling Phytopythium species was consistently observed after three days of incubation. Sporangia were globose or subglobose (19.11±1.71 μm, n=50) with or without papilla (Fig. 1b). Oogonia were smooth, filamentous to globose (21.04±1.74 μm, n=50) (Fig. 1c). Representative isolates (FBG7779-1 and FBG7779-2) were identified as Phytopythium vexans based on morphological characterization (de Cock et al. 2015; Ghimire and Baysal-Gurel 2023). To confirm pathogen identity, total DNA was extracted using the DNeasy PowerLyzer Microbial Kit from 7-day-old cultures of the isolates grown on V8-PARPH. The primer pairs ITS1/ITS4 (White et al. 1990), NL1/NL4 (Baten et al. 2014), OomCoxI-Levup/Fm85mod (Robideau et al. 2011), and Cox2-F/Cox2-R (Hudspeth et al. 2000) were used to amplify and sequence the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), the large subunit (LSU), and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunits I (CoxI) and II (CoxII) genetic markers, respectively. The ITS, LSU, CoxI and CoxII sequences of the isolates FBG7779-1 and FBG7779-2 (ITS: PQ567140 and PQ567141; LSU: PQ567376 and PQ567377; CoxI: PQ570510 and PQ570511; CoxII: PQ570512, and PQ570513) were 100% identical to those of P. vexans isolates MK011115, OQ754108, GU133478, and AB468910, respectively. To complete Koch's postulates, pathogenicity test was performed on two-year-old swamp white oak seedlings (165 to 170 cm height) grown in 3-gal containers. The plants were drench inoculated with pathogen slurry (150 ml per plant - two 9-cm plates of 7-day-old culture/liter) of the isolates FBG7779-1 and FBG7779-2 (five plants per isolate) (Panth et al. 2021). Five plants were drenched with agar slurry without the pathogen and served as a non-inoculated control plant. The study was conducted in a greenhouse condition (21 to 23°C, 70% relative humidity) and irrigated twice a day for 2 min each time using an overhead irrigation system. Two weeks after inoculation, dark brown lesions developed in the roots of all inoculated plants (Fig. 1d), whereas controls remained healthy (Fig. 1e). The morphology of the pathogen isolated on the V8-PARPH medium was identical to the original isolate and confirmed by sequencing the ITS, LSU, CoxI and CoxII markers. Phytopythium vexans has been previously reported to cause root and crown rot in flowering cherry, ginkgo, red maple, and redbud in Tennessee (Baysal-Gurel et al. 2021; Liyanapathiranage et al. 2023; Panth et al. 2021). To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. vexans causing root rot of swamp white oak in Tennessee and the United States. Identifying the pathogen as the causal agent is crucial in the development of a successful disease management strategy of P. vexans on swamp white oak.

Early Stages of Bacterial Colonization Development After Xanthomonas campestris Seed Inoculation in Selected Brassica Species

This study investigates Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) incidence rates in cabbage, kale, and kohlrabi, focusing on the roots and stems over a 15-day period after sowing. Seeds were inoculated with Xcc, and infection levels were monitored using confocal microscopy combined with fluorescence in situ hybridization. Significant differences in incidence rates were observed across the 15 days using a scale from 0 to 5 (0–100% incidence). Kale exhibited the highest mean incidence rates in roots (3.64), while cabbage and kohlrabi showed greater variability (3.4–3.44). Stem infections were more severe, with kale showing the highest mean levels (4.16), followed by kohlrabi (4.0), and cabbage (3.68). In cabbage roots, incidence rates increased until day 11, after which a significant decline was noted, whereas stem Xcc incidence rates remained stable. Kale roots peaked on day 9, with significant fluctuations on days 13 and 15. Kohlrabi displayed moderate, stable root incidence rates over the 15-day period. In stems, kohlrabi showed a significant increase on day 11, followed by a drop on day 15. Regression analysis revealed a significant positive linear correlation between incidence rate and days of observation in kohlrabi roots. However, no significant trends were observed in stem infections across all species, where incidence rates were high and stable from day 7 onwards. Newly acquired data indicate that the incidence rate of Xcc development depends on the type of vegetable. However, the bacterial occurrence in the root parts does not always correspond with the intensity of Xcc colonization in the stem section of the plants. Even at lower levels of Xcc occurrence in the roots, damage to the vascular bundles can be fatal. These findings offer valuable insights into Xcc infection dynamics, contributing to improved disease management strategies for Brassica crops.

Aerenchyma formation in seminal roots of &lt;em&gt;Hordeum vulgare&lt;/em&gt; in hydroponic conditions

Hypoxia is a severe stress factor which negatively affects plant growth. One of the adaptations to hypoxia is formation of aerenchyma. Lysigenous aerenchy ma was found in many species, including barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). At what moment of root development and in which part of it the lysigenous cavities are formed is not completely clear. For this, barley plants were grown hydroponically with and without aeration for 30 and 40 days, respectively. Every 5 days seminal roots from barley plants were detached from the seedlings, and were divided into 4 equal parts characterizing the age gradient of cells from the apical (1) to its base (4) part. Under hypoxic conditions, aerenchyma in barley roots was formed in two stages — to the 10th day of growth (1st stage) and to the 30th day of growth. Lysigenous cavities were mostly formed in the parts with the most mature cells (in the 3rd and 4th parts). Accumulation of H2O2 in basal part of roots could be considered as a trigger for the aerenchyma formation at the first stage, but not at the second one. Aerenchymal lacunae were absent in seminal roots of aerated plants.

Desorption Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry Imaging-Based Spatial Metabolomics for Visualizing and Comparing Ginsenosides and Lipids among Multiple Parts and Positions of the Panax ginseng Root.

Ginsenosides and lipids are both bioactive ingredients for ginseng. Targeting these two categories of components, this study was designed to develop desorption electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry imaging approaches and spatial metabolomics strategies, achieving the visualization and differentiation among different parts of Panax ginseng root (e.g., rhizome, main root, lateral root, fibrous root, and adventitious root). Potential chemical markers were identified by searching an in-house ginsenoside library and online Lipid Maps database, together with high-resolution MS2 data analysis. Six ginsenosides and 11 lipids were diagnostic to differentiate five different parts of the P. ginseng root. Additionally, three ginsenosides and 20 lipids were identified as differential markers among the six positions of the main root of P. ginseng. High-abundance malonyl- and oleanolic acid-ginsenosides were observed in the rhizome. These results assist in understanding the accumulation of bioactive molecules all through the root of P. ginseng, which can benefit its quality control and rational use.