Sicklepod Research Articles

Pólen apícola de diferentes fontes florais da caatinga: determinação de parâmetros nutricionais

The objective of this work was to characterize nutritional parameters of bee pollens from plant species occurring in a semiarid region, in Picos, state of Piaui, Brazil. Bee pollen samples were collected from the experimental apiary of the Study Group on Bees from the Semiarid Region of Piaui (GEASPI/UFPI) and subjected to melissopalynological analysis to determine their botanical origins, and bromatological analysis (crude protein, lipids, fibers, and ash) in the Laboratory of Animal Nutrition of the Department of Zootechnics of the Federal University of Piaui (UFPI), in Teresina, Piaui (DZO/UFPI/Teresina). Six plant species (Aspilia sp., Senna obtusifolia,Mimosa pudica L., Cupheaericoides, Croton sp., and Mimosa caesalpiniifolia) were predominant for bee pollen production in the study area. Therefore, the nutritional compositions of the pollen produced in the Caatinga area varied according to their botanical origin, as shown by the crude protein (20.75% to 38.18%), fiber (0.53% to 1.37%), lipid (0.49% to 4.7%), and total mineral (2.56 to 4.17%) contents. Bromatological parameters also varied according to the botanical origin of the pollens evaluated. The study region has considerable diversity of pollinator plant species that provide bee pollens with a wide spectrum of nutritional characteristics.

Anthraquinone Removal from Cassia obtusifolia Seed Water Extract Using Baking, Stir-Frying, and Adsorption Treatments: Effects on the Chemical Composition, Physicochemical Properties of Polysaccharides, and Antioxidant Activities of the Water Extract.

Safety issues of the controversial anthraquinones from Cassia obtusifolia seed water extracts (CWEs) limit its application. This work aimed to remove the anthraquinones of CWEs by baking treatment (BT), stir-frying treatment (ST), and adsorption treatment (AT). Effects of these treatments on the chemical composition, physicochemical properties of polysaccharides, and antioxidant activities of CWEs were analyzed and compared. Results indicated that AT exhibited the best removal effect on the total anthraquinone among the three treatments. After AT, the contents of rhein, emodin, aloe-emodin, and aurantio-obtusin of the CWE were below the limit of detection. In addition, AT increased the contents of neutral sugars in CWEs in comparison to BT and ST. None of the treatments had an obvious influence on the structural characteristics of polysaccharides. However, AT decreased the antioxidant activity of CWEs due to their lower anthraquinone content. In summary, AT was considered as an efficient and simple method to remove anthraquinones, while retaining the features of polysaccharides.

New Data on Anti-Inflammatory and Wound Healing Potential of Transgenic Senna obtusifolia Hairy Roots: In Vitro Studies.

Asthma is an inflammatory disease whose etiology remains unclear. Its characteristics encompass a wide range of clinical symptoms, inflammatory processes, and reactions to standard therapies. Plants produce a range of constitutive products and secondary metabolites that may have therapeutic abilities. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Senna obtusifolia transgenic hairy root extracts on virus-induced airway remodeling conditions. Three cell lines were incubated with extracts from transformed (SOA4) and transgenic (SOPSS2, with overexpression of the gene encoding squalene synthase 1) hairy roots of Senna obtusifolia in cell lines undergoing human rhinovirus-16 (HRV-16) infection. The effects of the extracts on the inflammatory process were determined based on the expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-8, TNF-α, IL-1α and IFN-γ) and total thiol content. The transgenic Senna obtusifolia root extract reduced virus-induced expression of TNF, IL-8 and IL-1 in WI-38 and NHBE cells. The SOPSS2 extract reduced IL-1 expression only in lung epithelial cells. Both tested extracts significantly increased the concentration of thiol groups in epithelial lung cells. In addition, the SOPPS2 hairy root extract yielded a positive result in the scratch test. SOA4 and SOPPS2 Senna obtusifolia hairy root extracts demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects or wound healing activity. The SOPSS2 extract had stronger biological properties, which may result from a higher content of bioactive secondary metabolites.

Chemical Evaluation, Phytotoxic Potential, and In Silico Study of Essential Oils from Leaves of Guatteria schomburgkiana Mart. and Xylopia frutescens Aubl. (Annonaceae) from the Brazilian Amazon.

The essential oils (EOs) of Guatteria schomburgkiana (Gsch) and Xylopia frutescens (Xfru) (Annonaceae) were obtained by hydrodistillation, and their chemical composition was evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Herbicide activity was measured by analyzing the seed germination percentage and root and hypocotyl elongation of two invasive species: Mimosa pudica and Senna obtusifolia. The highest yield was obtained for the EO of Xfru (1.06%). The chemical composition of Gsch was characterized by the presence of the oxygenated sesquiterpenes spathulenol (22.40%) and caryophyllene oxide (14.70%). Regarding the EO of Xfru, the hydrocarbon monoterpenes α-pinene (35.73%) and β-pinene (18.90%) were the components identified with the highest concentrations. The germination of seeds of S. obtusifolia (13.33 ± 5.77%) showed higher resistance than that of seeds of M. pudica (86.67 ± 5.77%). S. obtusifolia was also more sensitive to the EO of Xfru in terms of radicle (55.22 ± 2.72%) and hypocotyl (71.12 ± 3.80%) elongation, while M. pudica showed greater sensitivity to the EO of Gsch. To screen the herbicidal activity, the molecular docking study of the major and potent compounds was performed against 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) protein. Results showed good binding affinities and attributed the strongest inhibitory activity to δ-cadinene for the target protein. This work contributes to the study of the herbicidal properties of the EOs of species of Annonaceae from the Amazon region.

Integrated metabolic and transcriptomic profiles reveal the germination-associated dynamic changes for the seeds of Cassia obtusifolia L.

The seeds of Cassia obtusifolia L. (Cassiae [C.] semen) have been widely used as both food and traditional Chinese medicine in China. We aimed to analyze the metabolic mechanisms underlying C. semen germination. Different samples of C. semen at various germination stages were collected. These samples were subjected to 1 H-NMR and UHPLC/Q-Orbitrap-MS-based untargeted metabolomics analysis together with transcriptomics analysis. A total of 50 differential metabolites (mainly amino acids and sugars) and 20 key genes involved in multiple pathways were identified in two comparisons of different groups (36 h vs 12 h and 84 h vs 36 h). The metabolite-gene network for seed germination was depicted. In the germination of C. semen, fructose and mannose metabolism was activated in the testa rupture period, indicating more energy was needed (36 h). In the embryonic axis elongation period (84 h), the pentose and glucuronate interconversions pathway and the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway were activated, which suggested some nutrient sources (nitrogen and sugar) were in demand. Furthermore, oxygen, energy, and nutrition should be supplied throughout the whole germination process. These global views open up an integrated perspective for understanding the complex biological regulatory mechanisms during the germination process of C. semen.

Assessing the competitive ability of the invader Senna obtusifolia with coexisting natives species under different water stress regimes

Invasive species tend to pose a threat to ecosystem biodiversity, functioning, and ecosystem service provision. This study was conducted in Burkina Faso to assess the competitiveness of an invasive species Senna obtusifolia that is a less palatable legume plant in West African Sahelian rangelands. To address the research hypothesis that the recurrent drought in the Sahel results in S. obtusifolia being more competitive in the land invasion, we conducted an interspecific competition involving S. obtusifolia and 3 herbaceous species (Andropogon gayanus, Chamaecrista mimosoides, and Pennisetum pedicellatum) in a greenhouse experiment under four water stress regimes using a replacement series design. The height and biomass of each species were measured throughout four months experiment. In the severe water regime, S. obtusifolia was the most sensitive to water deficit while the 3 other species were found to be resistant. In addition, in all water regimes, the aggressivity index revealed that S. obtusifolia was less competitive than the grass species A. gayanus and P. pedicellatum. Further, the study discovered that drought in the Sahel made S. obtusifolia more vulnerable than the other species. Hence the invasion of Sahelian rangelands by S. obtusifolia could be favored by overgrazing that reduces fodder species' dominance and competitiveness. Good management of sahelian rangelands by controlling grazing could help to reduce S. obtusifolia invasion and provide more fodder for livestock.

Performance of distinct strategies on overcoming dormancy in Senna obtusifolia seeds

Senna obtusifolia presents structures favorable to the effects of the dormancy phenomenon, presenting low germination rates for a certain period. This panorama can be solved by the dormancy-breaking process, which is caused by the exposure of the seed to adverse conditions that stimulate the germination process. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of different methods to overcome dormancy in Senna obtusifolia (L.) H. S. Irwin & Barneby seeds. A completely randomized design (CRD) was the experimental design adopted, with four treatments and eight replications of 25 seeds. The treatments consisted of mechanical scarification, water imbibition, and immersion in hot water. In this study, a statistically significant difference was seen between treatments for all parameters, where the treatment under mechanical scarification was the most effective for promoting germination (99 ± 1.51% of germinated seeds). Furthermore, the treatment presented the most promising results for average shoot length (ASL) (43.95 ± 8.66 mm), root length (ARL) (28.09 ± 5.27 mm), total fresh mass (MF) (1.97 ± 0.10 g), and total dry mass (MS) (0.37 ± 0.03 g). The mechanical scarification of seeds favored germination and this treatment was the most efficient for the process of overcoming the dormancy of S. obtusifolia seeds.

Phytosociological survey of weeds in irrigated maize fields in a Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Maize is a food crop for millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa. However, severe weed infestation might cause significant yield loss. This study investigated weed composition, abundance and distribution in maize-based cropping systems in the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. Fields were surveyed between February and March 2022. The Importance Value Index (IVI) of each weed species was determined using relative frequency, relative density, and relative abundance. A total of 29 weed species from 15 families were identified. Poaceae (34.9 %) was the most prevalent weed family, followed by Cyperaceae (26.9 %) and Portulacaceae (12.8 %). The IVI showed that Cyperus rotundus (38.6), Portulaca oleraceae (29.4), Digitaria horizontalis (25.5), Brachiaria deflexa (24.2), Senna obtusifolia (17.6), Ageratum conyzoides (16.0), Cynodon dactylon (12.6), Phyllanthus niruri (11.1) and Eragrostis sp. (10.6) were the most dominant. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) ordination biplot revealed that Setaria pumila was strongly associated with sole maize cultivation, as was Desmodium scorpiurus with maize/rice intercropping, C. dactylon with maize/pepper, Euphorbia hirta with maize/cassava, and Cleome viscosa with maize/amaranthus intercropping. Special attention to these weed species is required when making an informed decision on the choice of weed control measures.to reduce yield losses in endemic areas.

Local Knowledge, Perceptions and Uses Values of Senna obtusifolia (L.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby, an Invasive Native Plant Species in Burkina Faso, West Africa

Invasive species are known to be a threat to agriculture and biodiversity. Thus, many studies have focused on the negative ecological impacts of invasive species, while their importance to livelihoods and human well-being has received little attention. This study aimed to explore people's ethno-ecological knowledge about the invasion of Senna obtusifolia and the importance of this species in some local ethnic groups according to two climate zones in Burkina Faso. Three hundred (300) people from eight (08) ethnic groups from surrounding villages of pastoral zones in two contrast climate zones were interviewed. The survey technique was semi-structured interviews, using a previously tested semi-structured questionnaire. A Generalized Linear Model (GLM) with the Poisson distribution was performed to determine the factors that influence the ethno-ecological knowledge of people. For informants, the most important dissemination drivers are animals in the Sahelian zone and humans in the Sudanian zone. Regarding usefulness, the species is harvested by people for 08 use categories with food (100%) and construction (46%) as the most use categories. In fact, use value of Senna obtusifolia differed significantly among climatic zones, ethnic groups (P < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant difference between the Mossi and Fulani of the Sahelian zone and those of the Sudanian zone was observed. This study revealed the usefulness of Senna obtusifolia for people and findings are essential to promote the species utilization, which could be considered as adaptation strategy to the negative ecological invasion of the species. Moreover, these findings could guide the formulation of management policies and how to valorise more the invasive species.

Phytochemical Profile and Herbicidal (Phytotoxic), Antioxidants Potential of Essential Oils from Calycolpus goetheanus (Myrtaceae) Specimens, and in Silico Study.

The essential oil (EO) of Calycolpus goetheanus (Myrtaceae) specimens (A, B, and C) were obtained through hydrodistillation. The analysis of the chemical composition of the EOs was by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry CG-MS, and gas chromatography coupled with a flame ionization detector CG-FID. The phytotoxic activity of those EOs was evaluated against two weed species from common pasture areas in the Amazon region: Mimosa pudica L. and Senna obtusifolia (L.) The antioxidant capacity of the EOs was determined by (DPPH•) and (ABTS•+). Using molecular docking, we evaluated the interaction mode of the major EO compounds with the molecular binding protein 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD). The EO of specimen A was characterized by β-eudesmol (22.83%), (E)-caryophyllene (14.61%), and γ-eudesmol (13.87%), while compounds 1,8-cineole (8.64%), (E)-caryophyllene (5.86%), δ-cadinene (5.78%), and palustrol (4.97%) characterize the chemical profile of specimen B’s EOs, and specimen C had α-cadinol (9.03%), δ-cadinene (8.01%), and (E)-caryophyllene (6.74%) as the majority. The phytotoxic potential of the EOs was observed in the receptor species M. pudica with percentages of inhibition of 30%, and 33.33% for specimens B and C, respectively. The EOs’ antioxidant in DPPH• was 0.79 ± 0.08 and 0.83 ± 0.02 mM for specimens A and B, respectively. In the TEAC, was 0.07 ± 0.02 mM for specimen A and 0.12 ± 0.06 mM for specimen B. In the results of the in silico study, we observed that the van der Waals and hydrophobic interactions of the alkyl and pi-alkyl types were the main interactions responsible for the formation of the receptor–ligand complex.

Effects of Replacing Soybean (Glycine Max) with Fermented Sickle Pod (Senna Obtusifolia) on the Productive Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Domestic Rabbits

An experiment was conducted for 56 days to determine the productive performance and carcass characteristics of domestic rabbits fed fermented Senna obtusifolia seed meal (FSOSM)-based diets. A control soybean meal-based diet and diets containing 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% FSOSM as a replacement for soybean were formulated for the study. Twenty (20) domestic growing rabbits with an initial weight range of 605.25 – 662.75 g were randomly allotted to the five dietary treatments in a Completely Randomized Block Design with four replicates of one rabbit each. The productive performance was not significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by the diets. The daily weight gain ranged from 11.11 – 12.09 g/d, total weight gain 622.16 – 677.01 g/d, daily feed intake 55.15 – 61.41 g and feed conversion ratio ranged from 4.83 – 5.02. The carcass characteristics were similarly not affected (P < 0.05) by the dietary treatments. Dressing percentage ranged from 50.05 – 59.70% and retail cuts for shoulder, rack, loin and thigh were 17.73 – 18.99, 5.20 – 6.28, 13.26 – 14.17 and 20.28 – 22.33 percent body weight. It was concluded from this study that replacement of soybean with FSOSM up to 100% had no adverse effects on the productive parameters and carcass characteristics of domestic rabbits.

Effects of Replacing Soybean (Glycine Max) with Fermented Sickle Pod (Senna Obtusifolia) on the Productive Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Domestic Rabbits

Effects of Replacing Soybean (Glycine Max) with Fermented Sickle Pod (Senna Obtusifolia) on the Productive Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Domestic Rabbits

Local perceptions and ethnobotanical uses values of Senna obtusifolia, an invasive native plant species in Burkina Faso, West Africa

Invasive species are known to be a threat to agriculture and biodiversity. Thus, many studies have focused on the negative ecological impacts of invasive species, while their importance to livelihoods and human well-being has received little attention. This study aimed to explore people's ethnoecological knowledge about the invasion of Senna obtusifolia and the importance of this species in some local ethnic groups according to two climate zones in Burkina Faso. Three hundred (300) people from height (08) ethnic groups from surrounding villages of pastoral zones in two contrasting climate zones were interviewed. The survey technique was semi-structured interviews, using a previously tested semi-structured questionnaire. A GLM with the Poisson distribution was performed to determine the factors that influence the ethnoecological knowledge of people. For informants, the most important dissemination drivers are animals in the Sahelian zone and humans in the Sudanian zone. Regarding usefulness, the species is harvested by people for 08 use categories with food (100%) and construction (46%) as the most used categories. In fact, the use-value of Senna obtusifolia differed significantly among climatic zone, and ethnic groups (P < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant difference between the Mossi and Fulani of the Sahelian zone and those of the Sudanian zone was observed. This study revealed the usefulness of Senna obtusifolia for people and the findings are essential to promote species utilization, which could be considered as an adaptation strategy to the negative ecological invasion of the species. Moreover, these findings could guide the formulation of management policies and how to valorize more invasive species.

Naturally occurring Senna spp. toxicity in an Angus crossbred calf

AbstractIngestion of certain plants belonging to the genus Senna in animals can cause a rapidly progressive disease with myonecrosis. Natural senna intoxication was suspected in cattle that were grazing on contaminated pasture. Three calves presented with clinical signs of acute illness, characterised by sternal recumbency and absent patellar and withdrawal reflexes. Senna obtusifolia and Senna occidentalis plants were found in the grazing pastures. Serum biochemistry levels of creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase were higher than the reference ranges. Major pathologic findings included multifocal pale tan and dry skeletal muscle with severe segmental monophasic myonecrosis. Senna seeds were identified in the ruminal contents. A diagnosis of Senna intoxication was made given the clinical history and the compatible clinicopathological and pathologic findings. In addition, Senna plants in the pasture along with the Senna seeds were found in the ruminal contents in the affected heifer.

Fusarium abutilonis and F. guadeloupense, two novel species in the Fusarium buharicum clade supported by multilocus molecular phylogenetic analyses

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to elucidate evolutionary relationships and species diversity within the Fusarium buharicum species complex (FBSC). We also evaluate the potential of these species to produce mycotoxins and other bioactive secondary metabolites. Maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony analyses of sequences from portions of four marker loci (ITS rDNA, TEF1, RPB1, and RPB2) and the combined 4495 bp data set support recognition of seven genealogically exclusive species within the FBSC. Two of the three newly discovered species are formally described as F. abutilonis and F. guadeloupense based on concordance of gene genealogies and morphological data. Fusarium abutilonis induces leaf, stem, and root lesions on several weedy Malvaceae (Abution theophrasti, Anoda cristata, Sida spinosa) and a fabaceous host (Senna obtusifolia) in North America and also was recovered from soil in New Caledonia. Fusarium abutilonis, together with its unnamed sister, Fusarium sp. ex common marsh mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) from Washington state, and F. buharicum pathogenic to cotton and kenaf in Russia and Iran, respectively, were strongly supported as a clade of malvaceous pathogens. The four other species of the FBSC are not known to be phytopathogenic; however, F. guadeloupense was isolated from human blood in Texas and soil in Guadeloupe. The former isolate is unique because it represents the only known case of a fusarial infection disseminated hematogenously by a species lacking microconidia and the only documented fusariosis caused by a member of the FBSC. Whole genome sequence data and extracts of cracked maize kernel cultures were analyzed to assess the potential of FBSC isolates to produce mycotoxins, pigments, and phytohormones.

Weed interference in melon crop under semi-arid conditions

The management of weeds in melon is hindered by the slow initial growth of the crop, favouring weed infestation and reducing production. During the years 2016 and 2017, weed interference periods were evaluated in two melon hybrids, yellow and frog skin, to determine the time of weed control in the crop. Four-parameter logistic regression was used to determine the critical weed control period (CPWC). The weed species with the highest occurrences in 2016 were Merremia aegyptia, Senna obtusifolia, and Urochloa plantaginea. In 2017, there was a predominance of M. aegyptia, indicating the possibility of successive cultivation, favouring the predominance of species with growth habits similar to melons. The increase in the period of living with weeds reduced the productivity and quality of melon fruits. Coexistence with weeds throughout the cycle reduced productivity by about 50%. The CPWC was 15 to 58 and 10 to 45 for frog skin and 12 to 52 and 4 to 50 days for yellow melon in 2016 and 2017, respectively, considering a productivity loss of 5%. These results underscore the importance of adopting strategies that allow melons to grow free from the presence of weeds, especially before they are fully established in the growing area.

Oral administration of processed Cassia obtusifolia L. seed powder May reduce body weight and cholesterol in overweight patients with schizophrenia: A 36-week randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of high and low doses

Ethnopharmacological relevanceObesity in patients with schizophrenia is related to antipsychotic drug use, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, which are critical risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Cassia seed is a traditional Chinese medicine that can be used to treat various eye disorders. Anthraquinone-containing Cassia seed were used to lower serum levels of fat and cholesterol. Aim of studyThe effects of Cassia seed powder on body weight and lipids were investigated in overweight or obese patients with schizophrenia. MethodsThe present study was designed as a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Ninety-four patients with schizophrenia who were overweight or obese were assigned to a control group (CG, 47 patients) and treatment group (TG, 47 patients) that received low dose Cassia seed power (0.3 g once daily) and Cassia seed powder (3.0 g once daily), respectively, for 36 weeks. The main outcome was the change in body mass index and waist circumference (WC). The secondary outcome was the change in serum lipids, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and glycated hemoglobin. ResultsSeventy-four patients completed the study (n = 36, CG; n = 38, TG). WC was significantly lower at the second (24 weeks, 98.63 ± 9.44 vs 95.80 ± 10.26 cm, p = 0.023), third (36 weeks, 98.35 ± 9.46 vs 95.05 ± 10.07 cm, p = 0.002), and fourth (48 weeks, 98.78 ± 9.48 vs 93.73 ± 10.28 cm, p < 0.001) follow-ups than at baseline in the TG, but only significantly lower than baseline at the fourth follow-up (100.78 ± 13.98 vs 94.03 ± 9.74 cm, p = 0.006); no significant difference in CG was observed at both the second (101.03 ± 13.62 vs 97.35 ± 8,29 cm, p = 0.08) and third (100.55 ± 13.69 vs 96.55 ± 8.29 cm, p = 0.066) follow-up. The difference in serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels between the baseline and the third follow-up was greater in the TG than in the CG (149.68 ± 34.85 vs 179.08 ± 75.87 mg/dL, p = 0.033; 84.40 ± 28.06 vs102.08 ± 34.12 mg/dL, p = 0.015, respectively). ConclusionIn patients with schizophrenia who were overweight or obese, oral administration of Cassia seed powder (3.0 g) for 24 weeks and 36 weeks reduced WC, and oral administration of Cassia seed powder for 36 weeks reduced total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels, suggesting that Cassia seed powder aids the management of patients with schizophrenia who are overweight or obese. However, these results are preliminary, and future studies should use larger sample sizes, multiple testing centers, and multiple dosing.

Research Note: Study on the antibacterial activity of Chinese herbal medicine against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus of duck origin in laying hens

Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus were derived and identified from the ducks infected with fungi. In order to investigate the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicines against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus, in vitro antibacterial test and animal infection control test were conducted to study the antibacterial activity of the Chinese medicine mixture which was compatible with Acorus gramineus, Phellodendron chinensis, and Cassia obtusifolia. According to the results, the liver of chickens infected with Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus displayed granulomatous lesions, indicating that the isolation of pathogen from the lungs of sick ducks is also pathogenic to chickens. As suggested by the results of in vitro drug sensitivity test, the mixture 1 MIC80 was the minimum, the MIC80 of Aspergillus flavus was 16 μg/μL, and the MIC80 of Aspergillus fumigatus was 4 μg/μL. In a petri dish of the same concentration, the colony diameter of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus in Mixture 1 was the minimum. Besides, Aspergillus flavus colonies grew when the concentration was 64 μg/μL, and Aspergillus fumigatus colonies grew when the concentration was 4 μg/μL, which suggests the more significant inhibitory effect of Mixture 1 on Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus. According to the results of animal experiments, there was a significantly lower activity level of Glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and Glutamate pyruvic transaminase (GPT) in the protection group and the treatment group than in the bacterial infection group. As indicated by the blood smear results, there were more neutrophils in the infected group than in the prevention group and the treatment group. Thus, it can be seen from that the Mixture 1 produced preventive and therapeutic effects on the chickens infected with Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus.

Transcriptome and HPLC Analysis Reveal the Regulatory Mechanisms of Aurantio-Obtusin in Space Environment-Induced Senna obtusifolia Lines.

Senna obtusifolia is a famous medicinal plant that is widely used in Asian countries. Its seed plays an important role in the treatment of many diseases because it contains various anthraquinones and flavonoids. Our previous studies have indicated that three space environment-induced S. obtusifolia lines (SP-lines) i.e., QC10, QC29, and QC46, have higher seed yield and aurantio-obtusin (AO) content. However, the underlying mechanism of higher AO content in SP-lines is still unknown. Herein, transcriptome sequencing and HPLC were employed to analyze the differences between SP-lines and ground control (GC3) and elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of AO accumulation in SP-lines. The results show that 4002 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in SP-lines versus (vs.) GC3. DEGs in the QC10 vs. GC3, QC29 vs. GC3, and QC46 vs. GC3 comparisons were classified into 28, 36, and 81 GO terms and involved in 63, 74, and 107 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. KEGG pathway and gene expression analysis revealed that DEGs involved in anthraquinone pathways were significantly elevated in QC10 and QC46. Integrating the results of GO annotation, KEGG enrichment, and gene expression analysis, we propose that the elevated genes such as DAHPS, DHQS, and MenB enhance the metabolic flux in the anthraquinone pathway and promote AO content in QC10 and QC46. Taken together, this study elucidated the mechanism of AO content in SP-lines and provides valuable genetic information for S. obtusifolia. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, this study presents the first transcriptome analysis of environment-induced medicinal plants and paves the way to select elite S. obtusifolia varieties in the future.

Seed Potential of Ruminants Organic Manures in Sahelian Agro-Pastoral Systems

In degraded Sahelian agro-systems, livestock manures increase agricultural production and ensure natural regeneration through their selective seed potential. Yet, this seed potential that contributes to species dissemination is still poorly known. This study aimed to determine the seed potential of different livestock ruminant manures. To this end, cattle (Bos indicus), goat (Capra hircus) and sheep (Ovis aries) manures were collected in 45 distinct enclosures in the Sahelian zone of Burkina Faso following the three seasonal periods of the year. A total of 36 species in 13 families and 26 genera was identified in the coarse fraction of the three type of manure. The most abundant seeds in the manure are those of Fabaceae-mimosoideae, Fabaceae-caesalpinoideae, Rhamnaceae and Balanitaceae. The results showed that the contribution of goats to the total seed potential was 61% against 36% for sheep and 3% for cattle. The average number of seeds was 205 seeds/Kg of manure for goats, 125 seeds/Kg for sheep and 11 seeds/Kg for cattle. Depending on the collection period, the cold-dry season contributed 70% to the total annual seed potential against 22% of the hot-dry season and 8% for the rainy season. Following the species functional traits, goat spread more seeds of woody indehiscent pods (barochores species) containing one, 4 to 10 seeds with hard cores and integuments. Sheep spread more seeds of annual legumes having dehiscent pods (autochores) and more than 10 seeds. The most abundant seeds in the manure are those of agroforestry (Vachellia nilotica, Faidherbia albida, Piliostigma reticulatum), ruderal (Ipomoea eriocarpa) or invasive (Senna obtusifolia) species. The most frequently (RI Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Eleusine indica, Corchorus tridens, Sporobolus festivus and Ipomoea eriocarpa. Taxonomic and functional characteristics of the seed potential of ruminants manures shape the regeneration traits of agro-ecosystems through selective seed dissemination.