Selected Plant Species Research Articles

Pollution monitoring using the leaf-deposited particulates and magnetism of the leaves of 23 plant species in a semi-arid city, Northwest China

We conducted a study of the leaf-deposited particles and magnetism of plant leaves in different functional areas (traffic areas, parks, and residential areas) in Lanzhou, China. The saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM) of the washed and unwashed leaves of 23 plant species (including evergreen shrubs, deciduous shrubs, deciduous liana species, and deciduous trees) at three sampling heights (0.5 m, 1.5 m, and 2.5 m) was measured. In addition, the mass of the leaf-deposited particles was measured using the elution-filtration method and the leaf morphological characteristics were determined by scanning electronic microscope (SEM) analysis. The results revealed significant differences in particle retention capacity among the 23 plant species, with evergreen shrub species at the heights of 0.5 m and 1.5 m having higher particle concentrations. Buxus sinica, Buxus megistophylla, Prunus cerasifera, and Ligustrum×vicaryi were the most effective plant species for accumulating particles. The SEM results showed that leaves with a relatively complex adaxial surface (such as deep grooves and protrusions) were more effective at accumulating particles. The SIRM of washed leaves, unwashed leaves, and leaf-deposited particles were significantly higher in traffic areas than in parks and residential areas. In addition, significant correlations were found between SIRM of unwashed leaves and leaf-deposited particles and the mass of leaf-deposited particles, and therefore the leaf magnetic properties effectively reflect levels of PM pollution under different environmental conditions. Overall, our results provide a valuable reference for the selection of plant species with high particle retention capacity that is suitable for urban greening and pollution mitigation.

Bioactive Constituents and Toxicological Evaluation of Selected Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants of Saudi Arabia.

The purpose of this review is to summarize the available antidiabetic medicinal plants in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with its phytoconstituents and toxicological findings supporting by the latest literature. Required data about medicinal plants having antidiabetic activities and growing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were searched/collected from the online databases including Wiley, Google, PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. Keywords used in search are in vivo antidiabetic activities, flora of Saudi Arabia, active ingredients, toxicological evaluations, and medicinal plants. A total of 50 plant species belonging to 27 families were found in the flora of Saudi Arabia. Dominant family was found Lamiaceae with 5 species (highest) followed by Moraceae with 4 species. β-Amyrin, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, rutin, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol are the very common bioactive constituents of these selected plant species. This paper has presented a list of antidiabetic plants used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Bioactive antidiabetic phytoconstituents which showed that these plants have hypoglycemic effects and highly recommended for further pharmacological purposes and to isolate/identify antidiabetes mellitus (anti-DM) active agents also need to investigate the side effects of active ingredients.

SUSTAINABLE PLANTATION FOR RECLAMATION OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL SITE: A CASE STUDY

Performance of selected trees on municipal dumpsite at Mumbai has been studied for 30 months and results indicate that the tree survival rate was found to be 50% to 85 % respectively. Amongst the selected plant species, Rain Tree, Gulmohar, Australian Acacia and Neem were observed to be the fastest growing trees. Study shows how a dumpsite could be transformed from a highly unacceptable zone to ecological and environmentally sustainable. Study also attempts to evaluate the trees suitable for urban environment for dumpsite based on their carbon sequestration potential and conforming Sustainable Development Goals

Potentiality of some botanical extracts as biopesticides against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motsch. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Laboratory studies were conducted to investigate the efficacy of some botanicals in the management of Sitophilus zeamais Motsch infesting stored sorghum. The selected plant species were Euphorbia balsamifera Aiton, Lawsonia inermis L. and Mitracarpus hirtus L. Chloroform leaf extracts of the botanicals applied at 6.25, 12.50, 25.00, 50.00 and 100.00 mg ml-1 were used to determine their effect on adult survival, the concentration of total body protein and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) activity in the weevils at 30 ± 2 oC and 70 ± 5% R.H. The botanicals resulted in adult mortalities ranging from 10.00 ± 0.00 to 90.00 ± 5.77%, reduced body protein and significantly inhibited the activity of AChE in S. zeamais. The botanicals tested could serve as biopesticides in the management of S. zeamais infesting sorghum in the storage.

Determination of the methodology for the selection of alternative plant species for sustainable green roof design

It is known that green roofs mitigate the negative effects of climate change and environmental changes in cities. The paper presents research related to the determination of the methodology for the selection of autochthonous plant species of the flora of Serbia that would find application in the design of green roofs. The area of city of Belgrade was considered a pilot area. In order to achieve the set goal, the basic climate characteristics of the Belgrade area were considered, as well as the ecological and morphological characteristics of the plants, using the appropriate methodology. Based on the set criteria, a list of autochthonous plants of the flora of Serbia that could be used for the design of green roofs was proposed. When choosing plant material, care was taken to select different groups of plants: annual, biennial, and perennial plants, grasses, and succulents, considering that each of these groups of plants contributes in different ways to the stability and decorativeness of the green roofs.

KEY GENERAL ASPECTS TO BE CONSIDERED IN HABITAT MANAGEMENT: A REVIEW

The aim of this work is to analyse the most important components that involve habitat management considerations to understand how it could be an alternative to reduce pest pressure in crops to avoid the use of pesticides in agricultural ecosystems. To accomplish this objective, a literature review of several research papers related to the topic was done. It was found that a high percentage of studies showed favourable results for natural enemy populations and pest pressure. However, these practices show more positive results for natural enemy populations than for pest suppression. The success of habitat management practices to reduce pest pressure depends mainly on the selection of non-crop plant species at crop field scale, landscape complexity and the targeted natural enemy species. Nevertheless, among these factors, the landscape complexity in the surrounding semi natural habitat is the most important aspect, since it could determine the abundance of natural enemies in the crop. Understanding the complexity of semi natural habitats could help farmers to take better coordinated decisions to manage semi natural areas and improve the biological control service in their farms. Finally, the adoption of habitat management measures is not broadly accepted by farmers and more research is needed to show them the benefits of these practices.

Phytoaccumulation Potential of Three Endogenous Poaceae Species Grown on the Akouedo Landfill (Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire)

The selection of adequate plant species is a prerequisite for cleaning-up trace metal contaminated-soils by phytoaccumulation which is a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly technology. The potential of Panicum maximum, Eleusine indica and Cynodon dactylon to uptake trace metals from the soil of the Akouedo landfill was investigated. The concentrations of trace metals in soil were also considered. Moreover, the accumulation of Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb and Cd was assessed based on bioconcentration factor, translocation factor. The results showed high concentration values in the soil of the abandoned and the operation site of the landfill compare to the control site. The highest concentrations of trace metals in the plant shoot were observed with P. maximum for Ni. In root biomass, Zn, Cu and Cd showed high concentrations with P. maximum, E. indica and C. dactylon. Furthermore, the highest values of bioconcentration factor (BCF) and the translocation factor (TF) for Ni, were respectively 111.98 ± 82.45 and 4.26 ± 1.75 and were recorded with P. maximum. P. maximum, suggesting that it can be considered as a Ni hyperaccumulator.

LEAF ANATOMY AND MICROMORPHOLOGY OF STROBILANTHES CRISPA (BLUME) (PECAH BELING) FROM KUANTAN, PAHANG, MALAYSIA

The anatomical studies of selected plant species of Acanthaceae in Kuantan, Pahang are scarce. Thus, the aim of this study is to identify the leaf anatomical and micromorphological characteristics of S. crispa which can give additional information for identification of species. In addition, not only for taxonomy purpose, but also useful for ethnobotany perception on using as medicinal purpose because nowadays people are more searching on traditional plants as the alternative for drugs medicines, especially S. crispa. Methods used in this study were sectioning using sliding microtome, epidermal peeling and leaf micromorphology method by using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Findings from this study showed that the presence of collenchyma, sclerenchyma and mucilage cells in either petiole or midrib of the leaves. Meanwhile, the anatomical characteristics observed include petiole and midrib outlines, patterns of petiole and midrib vascular bundles, presence of cystolith cells and presence and types of trichomes. As a conclusion, leaf anatomy and micromorphology characteristics are useful for identification of species studied.

Can our current knowledge and practice allow ecological restoration in the Cerrado?

Ecological knowledge plays a significant role in ensuring efficient ecological restoration. We conducted a systematic review to assess if sufficient ecological knowledge has been accumulated to aid restoration practices for the Cerrado, a Brazilian biome dominated by savanna ecosystems and threatened by anthropogenic disturbances. Most Cerrado restoration studies were performed by few research groups and focused primarily on two vegetation types: cerrado sensu stricto (typical savanna) and riparian forest. We also found that defining reference ecosystems and selecting plant species for restoration programs is neglected, mostly disregarding their original occurrence and proportion of plant growth forms. Furthermore, studies lacked standardized and systematic evaluation of restoration outcomes. Hence, we argue that current ecological knowledge is insufficient to guarantee the success of large-scale ecological restoration of the Cerrado. We strengthen the need to explicitly define the reference ecosystem for each Cerrado ecosystem and use its structure and composition as guidance for ecological restoration research, which should be based on a scientific approach. We encourage investigations into ecological dynamics and natural regeneration of the different vegetation types of the Cerrado and highlight the importance of integrating such knowledge with environmental laws, societal engagement and cost-effective techniques to advance Cerrado ecological restoration.

Beekeeping promotes the traditional home-garden conservation in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, agrobiodiversity is managed through indigenous knowledge of rural communities, where the selection of plant species varies depending on the sociocultural practices and local economic needs. Traditional beekeeping has been practiced by millions of households in rural Ethiopia over a long historical period. However, the contribution of beekeeping in maintaining agrobiodiversity has not been systematically assessed in the country. This study was conducted in Central and Western Ethiopia to assess and compare traditional conservation practices, as well as the diversity and abundance of vegetation found within home-garden maintained by beekeepers and non-beekeepers. The results of the study showed that beekeepers raditionally retain more remnants of trees and shrubs in their home-garden to favor sustainable beekeeping, compared to non-beekeepers who instead are more likely to expand crop production. The mean number of floral species in beekeeper and non-beekeeper home-gardens was 22.8 ±3.2 and 14.2 ± 2.1, respectively. The higher species richness of bee visited plants in beekeepers’ home-gardens may be associated with traditional ecological knowledge accumulated by beekeepers over the years to maximize harvests of bee products. We therefore recommend the integration of ekeeping to other conservation interventions, such as community forestry, watersheds and protected areas as sustainable conservation practices. We suggest that necessary financial, technological, and extensional support should be enhanced to align improved v to any conservation efforts.

Palyno-anatomical microscopic characterization of selected species of Boraginaceae and Fabaceae.

Palyno-anatomical characterization of some selected species of Boraginaceae and Fabaceae using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was conducted. Six species of them belongs to four genera of family Boraginaceae and other six species belongs to four genera of Fabaceae. The current study aimed to investigate palyno-anatomical features for correct identification and taxonomic significance. Pollen grains were acetolyzed and observed both qualitatively and quantitatively through light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Statistical data was analyzed through cluster analysis which categorized plants into clusters. Principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to illustrate morphological variation among selected plant species. Studied plant species showed variation in shape, size, aperture type, exine ornamentation of pollen, size and shape of epidermal cells, types of stomata, guard cells, subsidiary cells and trichome types. Exine thickness was recorded maximum 2.30 ± 0.1μm in Lablab purpureus and minimum 1.05 ± 0.2 in Gastrocotyle hispida. PCA summarized 73.78% of accumulative variance. Trichome index was observed highest 62% on the adaxial surface of Heliotropium europaeum and lowest 21% on adaxial surface of L. purpureus. These findings reinforce the importance of palyno-anatomical features in the characterization and identification of taxa. It was concluded that description of palyno-anatomical characteristics presented in this study, highly contribute to our knowledge for correct identification of plant species.

High Redox Status as the Basis for Heavy Metal Tolerance of Sesuvium portulacastrum L. Inhabiting Contaminated Soil in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Because sewage sludge is contaminated with heavy metals, its disposal in the soil may pose risks to the ecosystem. Thus, heavy metal remediation is necessary to reduce the associated risks. The goal of this research is to introduce a heavy metal resistant species and to assess its phytoremediation, oxidative damage markers and stress tolerance mechanisms. To this end, field research was done to compare the vegetation of polluted sites to that of a healthy site. We found 42 plant species identified in the study, Sesuvium portulacastrum L. was chosen because of its high relative density (10.3) and maximum frequency (100 percent) in the most contaminated areas. In particular, S. portulacastrum plants were characterized by strong Cu, Ni, and As uptake. At the organ level, to control growth reduction and oxidase damage, particularly in roots, increased detoxification (e.g., metallothionein, phytochelatins) and antioxidants mechanisms (e.g., tocopherols, glutathione, peroxidases). On the other hand, flavonoids content and the activity of glutathione-S transferase, glutathione reductase and dehydroascorbate reductase were increased manly in the shoots. These biochemical markers can be applied to select tolerance plant species grown under complex heavy metal contamination. Our findings also introduced S. portulacastrum to reduce soil contamination0associated risks, making the land resource available for agricultural production.

Diversity of the Seed Material of Selected Plant Species of Naturally Valuable Grassland Habitats in Terms of the Prognosis of Introduction Success

The current conservation status of semi-natural grassland habitats in Poland indicates that actions for their restoration are necessary. Many of the degraded sites require the introduction of diaspores of representative species because other methods of improving their condition are not sufficiently effective. Meanwhile, little is known about the diaspores of native wild-flower species and the biology of their seeds. The aim of the present study was to find an answer to the question of which features of the seed material can guarantee the success of the introduction. The study covered 28 plant species of 4 non-forest natural habitats (codes: 6440, 6410, 6510, 6210) occurring in river valleys. Diaspores were collected in 2015–2017. Morphometric measurements of diaspores were performed, the weight of 1000 diaspores was determined and the germination capacity analysis was carried out in accordance with ISTA Rules. The analysis was made with the division into normal seedlings, abnormal seedlings, dead seeds and fresh ungerminated seeds. Species with similar parameters of seed material were selected using the method of hierarchical clustering and PCA analysis. Three groups of species were distinguished: (1) with good seed germination capacity (above 65%), which, regardless of weather conditions during the generative development, and despite the small size of diaspores, can guarantee successful introductions (Verbascum thapsus, Veronica longifolia, Daucus carota, Plantago lanceolata); (2) species of little suitability for introduction, due to the large proportion (over 50%) of dead seeds (Armeria maritima, Linaria vulgaris, Potentilla erecta, Centaurea stoebe, Sanguisorba officinalis, Cnidium dubium); (3) species with relatively large size of diaspores and low seed germination capacity, due to the high proportion of fresh ungerminated seeds which means dormant seeds (Lathyrus pratensis, Geranium pratense).

The use of treatment wetlands plants for protein and cellulose valorization in biorefinery platform

Different wetland plants were evaluated regarding their potential to be used in further green biorefining platforms to produce soluble protein and cellulose-textile fibers. The results show a higher protein content in the plants grown in treatment wetland conditions, compared with the same species grown in natural conditions, and diverse effect on the content of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, depending on the plant species, more than the growing environment. The TW biomass did not represent a risk regarding accumulation of heavy metals, named Pb, Cd, and Cr, since the studied plants did not present it in their tissues, neither in the roots nor in the leaves. The results regarding cellulose quality of the TW plants showed positive results, having values of molar mass distributions and degrees of polymerization that suggest a suitability to be considered for cellulose-fiber textiles studies. This is one of the first approaches, in the TW field, to establish a new criterion for selecting plant species to be planted in the system, aiming at recovering resources and use them as inputs for biorefineries and sustainable biobased products.

KELEMBABAN UDARA DENGAN ALAT HUMYDIMETER PADA LAHAN SAWAH DI KELURAHAN TANAH MERAH

Humidity is the concentration of water vapor in the air. In agriculture, air humidity is associated with increased productivity and development of cultivated plants, humidity in the environment where it grows can determine the selection of appropriate plant species, the purpose of this study was to determine air humidity in paddy fields between April, May , and June, changes in air humidity at any time describe the water vapor content in the air can be expressed as absolute humidity, relative or vapor pressure deficit, relative humidity compares the actual water vapor content/pressure with its saturation state or the air's capacity to accommodate water vapor. The relationship between air humidity in paddy fields in Tanah Merah Village is relatively low, this is the impact of changes in temperature, quantity and quality of radiation, wind movement, air pressure, vegetation, and availability of water and productivity of irrigated ricefields

Systematic cultivar selection for weed biological control risk assessment

Classical biological control is important for long-term, sustainable management of invasive species such as weeds. To be acceptable for introduction, new biocontrol agents must not damage crops, native plants, or other valued non-target species. Host-specificity experiments inform risk assessment of new biocontrol agents by prioritising and testing non-target plant species. Susceptibility to damage can also vary between cultivars of the same species, yet current protocols for the selection of test plant species inadequately address cultivar differences. Poor selection increases the risk of failing to detect non-target damage. We developed criteria for prioritising cultivars and a process chart (the ‘decision support tool’) to guide the selection of cultivars for biological control host-specificity testing. We reviewed and documented current cultivar selection practice published in prominent biological control journals and government documents to further explore current best practice for cultivar selection. To demonstrate the utility of the tool, we then applied the decision support tool to a complex host-specificity testing case study. In our review, most papers either did not mention cultivars of the cultivated plant species being tested, or they provided incomplete descriptions of cultivars without explaining omissions. Only one of 29 papers fully described the method for selecting and prioritising cultivars and reported the results for each cultivar tested. Our application of the process chart to a potato testing case study generated a feasible short-list of cultivars which can be scrutinized and updated. We showed how selections could be made through a collaborative and transparent process involving key stakeholders and decision makers. We have identified an example of under-reporting in classical biological control which, if not addressed, could impede progress in the sustainable management of invasive species. The decision support tool we developed has broad application in weed biological control risk assessment. We demonstrated that the decision tool is easy to use, can account for uncertainty, is adaptable to different species, and is suitable for both small and large cultivar groups irrespective of complexity. Our approach will result in more transparent, defensible, and reproducible cultivar selection practices, leading to greater confidence in biological control risk assessments.

EXTRACTION, ISOLATION AND STRUCTURAL ELUCIDATION OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUND FROM THE LEAVES EXTRACT OF LAGERSTROEMIA PARVIFLORA

For thousands of years, natural remedies were the only choice for the prevention and treatment of human diseases. Drug development relies heavily on natural products. Natural remedies always have small amount of bioactive natural ingredients. Today, developing effective and selective strategies for extracting and isolating those bioactive natural compounds is critical. Lagerstroemia parviflora (L. parviflora) (Lythraceae) commonly known as Landia in India and Seja in Bundelkhand; is a species widely distributed in almost all moist and dry deciduous tracts of India. In view of its wide distribution, the tree can withstand great variation in climate. The current investigation involves the isolation, structure characterization and prediction of antioxidant compounds from the leaves of L.parviflora. The leaves samples were used for the extraction of plant constituents with methanol by using maceration method. The isolated pure compounds were characterized as (2S)-5,7-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2,3-dihydrochromen-4-one by 1H NMR, IR and MASS spectroscopy. The pure compounds obtained from methanol extract of the selected plant species could be a good source of natural antioxidant.

Restoring coal mine degraded lands in India for achieving the United Nations‐Sustainable Development Goals

Anthropogenic activities substantially altered the ecosystem's functioning and most of them are directly or indirectly responsible for biodiversity loss, land degradation, and climate change. Therefore, maximizing the conservation of natural capital and restoring the potential of the natural ecosystems are essential to sustain life on this planet. Where most of the economic activities are coupled with environmental degradation, the reestablishment of ecosystem attributes is a vital part of global conservation strategies. Mining activities cause inevitable loss of ecological structure and functions, while restoration of mine degraded lands provides an opportunity to reinstate ecological integrity and to develop a self‐sustaining ecosystem. However, it cannot be possible without learning from our experience, scientific research, community participation, traditional knowledge, political support, and economic backup. Here, we summarize some of the field observations explicitly based on the restoration of coal mine degraded lands in India. Experiences based on the practical approaches of ecosystem restoration highlight the key role of physical aspects of restoration, selection of plant species for biological restoration, and its combined effect on generating socioeconomic and environmental benefits. We recommend the inclusion of a site‐specific restoration plan, native species for reforestation, and involvement of the local community in restoration programs. Moreover, they are essential to attain the United Nations‐Sustainable Development Goals (UN‐SDGs) particularly, reduce poverty and hunger, provide affordable and clean energy, mitigate climate change, and reestablish life on degraded lands.

Palyno-morphological attributes of some selected plant species of family Asteraceae from district Dera Ismail Khan, KPK, Pakistan.

The current study aimed to investigate the palyno-morphological features of Asteraceous species from District Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 13 species were collected, pressed, identified, and examined by using light and scanning electron microscopy. Both qualitative and quantitative pollen characters were observed, that is, equatorial and polar diameter, number of pores and colpi, exine thickness, exine sculpturing, pollen shape, and P/E ratio. Pollen shapes observed in studied taxa were spheroidal, suboblate, oblate-spheroidal, and lophate-spheroidal. The aperturation patterns of pollens vary from tricolporate to tetracolporate. The maximum polar and equatorial diameter of 75-100 (87.5 ± 13.6) μm and 87.5-117.5 (102.5 ± 16.4) μm, respectively, was recorded in Echinops echinatus, while minimum polar and equatorial diameter of 20-22.5 (21 ± 1.36) μm and 22.5-25 (23.5 ± 1.36) μm, respectively, was recorded in Aster subulatus. Six types of exine sculpturing patterns were observed; echinate, micro-echinate, echinate-microreticulate, microreticulate, echinate-perforate, and scabrate. Maximum exine thickness of 8.75 μm was recorded in E. echinatus and minimum of 1.25 μm in Launaea mucronata. The pollen morphology has valuable significance in understanding the taxonomy of different plant groups and plays a central role in the correct identification and classification of Asteraceous flora at species, generic, and tribe levels.

Ten-year trends reveal declining quality of seeded pollinator habitat on reclaimed mines regardless of seed mix diversity.

Plant-pollinator interactions represent a crucial ecosystem function threatened by anthropogenic landscape changes. Disturbances that reduce plant diversity are associated with floral resource and pollinator declines. Establishing wildflower plantings is a major conservation strategy targeting pollinators, the success of which depends on long-term persistence of seeded floral communities. However, most pollinator-oriented seeding projects are monitored for a few years, making it difficult to evaluate the longevity of such interventions. Selecting plant species to provide pollinators diverse arrays of floral resources throughout their activity season is often limited by budgetary constraints and other conservation priorities. To evaluate the long-term persistence of prairie vegetation seeded to support pollinators, we sowed wildflower seed mixes into plots on a degraded reclaimed strip-mine landscape in central Ohio, USA. We examined how pollinator habitat quality, measured as floral abundance and diversity, changed over 10 years (2009-2019) in the absence of management, over the course of the blooming season within each year, and across three seed mixes containing different numbers and combinations of flowering plant species. Seeded species floral abundance declined by more than 75% over the study, with the largest decline occurring between the fifth and seventh summers. Native and non-native adventive flowering plants quickly colonized the plots and represented >50% of floral community abundances on average. Floral richness remained relatively constant throughout the study, with a small peak one year after plot establishment. Plots seeded with High-Diversity Mixes averaged two or three more species per plot compared with a Low-Diversity Mix, despite having been seeded with twice as many plant species. Within years, the abundance and diversity of seeded species were lowest early in the blooming season and increased monotonically from June to August. Adventive species exhibited the opposite trend, such that complementary abundance patterns of seeded and adventive species blooms resulted in a relatively constant floral abundance across the growing season. Seeded plant communities followed classic successional patterns in which annual species quickly established and flowered but were replaced by perennial species after the first few summers. Long-term data on establishment and persistence of flower species can guide species selection for future-oriented pollinator habitat restorations.