Stone Cells Research Articles

Whole-genome analysis of CGS, SAHH, SAMS gene families in five Rosaceae species and their expression analysis in Pyrus bretschneideri.

Cystathionine γ-synthase (CGS), S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase (SAHH), and S-adenosy-L-methionine synthetase (SAMS) play an important role in the regulation of plant growth, development, and secondary metabolism. In this study, a total of 6 CGS, 6 SAHH, and 28 SAMS genes were identified from five Rosaceae species (Pyrus bretschneideri, Prunus persica, Prunus mume, Fragaria vesca, and Malus domestica). The evolutionary relationship and microsynteny analysis in five Rosaceae species revealed that duplicated regions were conserved between three gene families (CGS, SAHH, SAMS). Moreover, the chromosomal locations, gene structures, conserved motifs, cis-elements, physicochemical properties, and Ka/Ks analysis were performed by using numerous bioinformatics tools. The expression of different organs showed that the CGS, SAHH and SAMS genes of pear have relatively high expression patterns in flowers and stems, except for PbCGS1. RNA-seq and qRT-PCR combined analysis showed that PbSAMS1 may be involved in the regulation of pear stone cell development. In summary, this study provides the basic information of CGS, SAHH and SAMS genes in five Rosaceae species, further revealing the expression patterns in the pear fruit, which provides the theoretical basis for the regulation of pear stone cells.

Morphology, Anatomy, and Histochemistry of Leaves, Stem, and Bark of Gymnosporia senegalensis (Lam.) Loes

The study was conducted to investigate the anatomical and histochemical characteristics of the leaf, stem, and bark of G. senegalensis, by using light and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The analysis revealed the presence of pitted xylem vessels, fibers, stone cells, starch, various types of trichomes, and calcium oxalate crystals in powdered form of different parts of the plant through microscopy. Anatomical features include the dicot vascular bundle (V-shaped organization), epidermis, collenchymas, parenchyma cells, phloem companion cells, actinocytic stomata, the lactiferous vessel in the stem, and lignified pericyclic fiber were present. Different types of secondary metabolites like steroids, mucilage, sesquiterpenes, tannins, phenols, and polyphenols were identified within the cells by the histochemical investigation. The current results provide accurate information for the quality assessment and correct identification of G. senegalensis crude drug or herbal products. No previous papers on this taxon are available in the literature about its ethnobotany and pharmacobotanical characteristics.

Alternative splicing analysis provides insight into the domestication and improvement of pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) fruit

Alternative splicing (AS) plays a vital role in response to environmental stress. However, the functional impacts of AS on fruit quality in domestication and improvement remain unknown. In this study, we analyzed AS in fruit using RNA-seq of wild, landrace, and improved pear accessions. A total of new 237,085 transcripts were mapped to 29,254 genes. Based on these assembled transcripts, 191,060 AS events for 15,324 genes were identified, of which retained intron (RI) was the most frequent AS type, accounting for approximately 46.96% of AS events. Furthermore, 847 and 841 differential AS genes (DASGs) were identified during domestication and improvement, respectively. According to gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, the DASGs exclusively during domestication affected glycosylation and carbohydrate metabolism, while the DASGs exclusively during improvement were enriched in response to chemical stimulus. We found little overlap between DASGs and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in both the domestication and improvement processes, which indicated that AS was another gene regulatory mechanism for fruit development. Eight serine/arginine-rich (SR) genes related to AS regulation were differentially alternatively spliced during domestication or improvement, which indicated that SR genes might play regulatory roles in AS during the two processes in pear. Combined with gene annotation and previously identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs), 91 candidate DASGs related to fruit traits, including genes involved in sugar metabolism, acid metabolism, stone cell formation, and fruit firmness, were screened out during the investigation of domestication and improvement. Among them, Pectin acetylesterase 8 (PbrPAE8) produced PbrPAE8_1 and PbrPAE8_2 transcripts through AS, which was validated by qRT-PCR. The significant difference of AS ratio between landrace and improved groups were correlated with fruit firmness variability in these two populations. Our analysis is the first to reveal that AS variation is related to fruit quality during domestication and improvement of pear. Taken together, our study enriches the understanding of AS and its potential role in pear fruit improvement, thus providing useful references for other fruit tree crops.

Study on gluing characteristics of bamboo pith ring

Bamboo pith ring (BPR) was removed to ensure the gluing quality in the traditional production of bamboo composites, leading to material waste and increased energy consumption. To improve the utilization of materials and reduce energy consumption in production, the bonding characteristics of BPR were investigated. In this study, BPR and bamboo middle (BM) were glued with phenolic resin (PF), their mechanical properties were characterized by the shear strength of the adhesive layer. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) was used to observe PF penetration. Chemical reactions were monitored by Fourier transform infrared images with in situ visualization micro infrared technique. The results show that in the bamboo composite, the shear strength of the adhesive layer with and without BPR is similar. It is found that the pit channels of stone cells connect, communicating the multi-layer structure of the cell wall and the cell cavity. In gluing process, PF resin can permeate the stone cell in BPR, forming a mechanical interlocking and interpenetrating network system, and reacts with cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin of stone cell walls forming chemical force. The study proved that BPR can be effectively combined with PF and has excellent bonding ability. In the production of bamboo composites, to ensure the bonding strength, BPR was reserved can improve the utilization of bamboo and reduce energy consumption.

Cryptochrome-mediated blue-light signal contributes to lignin biosynthesis in stone cells in pear fruit

Light environment is an indispensable factor that regulates multitudinous developmental processes during the whole life cycle of plants, including fruit development. Stone cells which negatively influence pear fruit quality because of their strongly lignified cell wall are also affected by light, however, how light qualities influence lignin biosynthesis in pear remains unclear. Here, the calli of European pear (Pyrus communis L.) treated with different lights were used to explore the changes in phenotype, lignin content, and H2O2 content, coupled with RNA-Seq and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to investigate the possible regulation pathway of light on lignin biosynthesis in stone cells. Results showed that blue light increased the expression of lignin structure genes and promoted lignin accumulation. Besides, four blue light receptors cryptochromes (CRYs) were identified in white pear, named PbCRY1a (Pbr024556.1), PbCRY1b (Pbr001636.3), PbCRY2a (Pbr023037.1), and PbCRY2b (Pbr002655.4). qRT-PCR analysis showed that PbCRY1a is highly expressed in cultivars with a high content of stone cells. Furthermore, the molecular function of PbCRY1a on stone cell formation in pear fruit was demonstrated by genetic transformation of pear calli and Agrobacterium-mediated transient overexpression in pear fruitlets. Co-expression network analyses with RNA-seq data showed that 8 MYB and 5 NAC genes were classified into different co-expression clusters with lignin biosynthesis genes under blue light conditions. These results indicate that CRY-mediated blue-light signal plays an important role in cell wall lignification and promotes the formation of stone cells in pear by regulating downstream genes.

Morphological and Developmental Features of Stone Cells in Eriobotrya Fruits.

Some members of the Rosaceae family, particularly pear, contain stone cells in their fruits. Although stone cells in pear fruits are well studied, relatively little attention has been given to loquat stone cells. Only a few reports have suggested a relationship between stone cell traits and storage and transport tolerance of loquat fruits. Previously, we generated the variety JT8 from the interspecific hybrid of the loquat cultivar Jiefangzhong (JFZ; Eriobotrya japonica Lindl. cv. Jiefangzhong, female parent) and wild Taiwanese loquat (TL; E. deflexa Nakai, male parent). The JT8 fruits had a granular feel, similar to that of pear fruits, due to the presence of stone cells. In this study, the shape, size, development, and distribution dynamics of stone cells of Eriobotrya plants were thoroughly investigated. The results showed that loquat stone cells are brachysclereids and often contain typical branching pits. Loquat stone cells were distributed as both single stone cells and in stone cell clusters (SCCs), and the density of the stone cells near the core was higher than that near the peel. Stone cell density first increased and then decreased during fruit development. These traits noted in Eriobotrya were very similar to those observed in pear, indicating a close relationship between loquat and pear. Moreover, the contents, density dynamics, and aggregation traits of stone cells of the interspecific hybrid JT8 were derived from the male parent (TL). Transgressive segregation was likely exhibited in the content of stone cells and the size of the SCCs. More specifically, the content of stone cells reached 1.61% (w/w). In extreme cases, SCCs of JT8 exceeded 1,000 μm in length and 500 μm in width. This demonstrated that stone cell traits could be transmitted from parent to progeny through interspecific hybridization. The density dynamics of stone cells in two loquat cultivars with different storage and transport tolerances were also investigated, which indicated that the cultivar with more stone cells was more tolerant to storage and transport. We suggest that wild loquat genetic resources containing stone cells in Eriobotrya plants can be used to gradually improve the storage and transport tolerance of loquat fruits.

Removal of Stone Cells From Guava Nectar

Several methods have been investigated for reducing the grittiness of guava nectar caused by the presence of stone cells. Of the several methods tried, which included nitration, centrifugation, cyclone separation, and particle-size reduction using a colloid mill and a stone mill, centrifugation and treatment in the stone mill proved to be the best. When the nectars are centrifuged in a solid-basket centrifugal, the grittiness was completely eliminated, since the stone cells responsible for this grittiness are separated during the process. Nectars of similar quality were prepared by size reduction of the stone-cell particles in a stone or mustard mill. A comparison of both methods showed that higher yields of nectar are obtained when the stone mill is used to disintegrate the stone cell, but some discoloration results when pink-colored fruit is treated thus. Treatment in the stone mill also results in a higher loss of vitamin C when compared to the loss that results when the nectars are centrifuged.

Genome-Wide Analysis of the Peroxidase Gene Family and Verification of Lignin Synthesis-Related Genes in Watermelon.

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is an important horticultural crop worldwide, but peel cracking caused by peel hardness severely decreases its quality. Lignification is one of the important functions of class III peroxidase (PRX), and its accumulation in the plant cell wall leads to cell thickening and wood hardening. For in-depth physiological and genetical understanding, we studied the relationship between peel hardness and lignin accumulation and the role of PRXs affecting peel lignin biosynthesis using genome-wide bioinformatics analysis. The obtained results showed that lignin accumulation gradually increased to form the peel stone cell structure, and tissue lignification led to peel hardness. A total of 79 ClPRXs (class III) were identified using bioinformatics analysis, which were widely distributed on 11 chromosomes. The constructed phylogenetics indicated that ClPRXs were divided into seven groups and eleven subclasses, and gene members of each group had highly conserved intron structures. Repeated pattern analysis showed that deletion and replication events occurred during the process of ClPRX amplification. However, in the whole-protein sequence alignment analysis, high homology was not observed, although all contained four conserved functional sites. Repeated pattern analysis showed that deletion and replication events occurred during ClPRXs’ amplification process. The prediction of the promoter cis-acting element and qRT-PCR analysis in four tissues (leaf, petiole, stem, and peel) showed different expression patterns for tissue specificity, abiotic stress, and hormone response by providing a genetic basis of the ClPRX gene family involved in a variety of physiological processes in plants. To our knowledge, we for the first time report the key roles of two ClPRXs in watermelon peel lignin synthesis. In conclusion, the extensive data collected in this study can be used for additional functional analysis of ClPRXs in watermelon growth and development and hormone and abiotic stress response.

Construction of a high-density bin-map and identification of fruit quality-related quantitative trait loci and functional genes in pear.

Pear (Pyrus spp.) is one of the most common fruit crops grown in temperate regions worldwide. Genetic enhancement of fruit quality is a fundamental goal of pear breeding programs. The genetic control of pear fruit quality traits is highly quantitative, and development of high-density genetic maps can facilitate fine-mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and gene identification. Bin-mapping is a powerful method of constructing high-resolution genetic maps from large-scale genotyping datasets. We performed whole-genome sequencing of pear cultivars ‘Niitaka’ and ‘Hongxiangsu’ and their 176 F1 progeny to identify genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for constructing a high-density bin-map of pear. This analysis yielded a total of 1.93 million SNPs and a genetic bin-map of 3190 markers spanning 1358.5 cM, with an average adjacent interval of 0.43 cM. This bin-map, along with other high-density genetic maps in pear, improved the reference genome assembly from 75.5 to 83.7% by re-anchoring the scaffolds. A quantitative genetic analysis identified 148 QTLs for 18 fruit-related traits; among them, QTLs for stone cell content, several key monosaccharides, and fruit pulp acids were identified for the first time in pear. A gene expression analysis of six pear cultivars identified 399 candidates in the identified QTL regions, which showed expression specific to fruit developmental stages in pear. Finally, we confirmed the function of PbrtMT1, a tonoplast monosaccharide transporter-related gene responsible for the enhancement of fructose accumulation in pear fruit on linkage group 16, in a transient transformation experiment. This study provides genomic and genetic resources as well as potential candidate genes for fruit quality improvement in pear.

Pharmacognostical and Physicochemical Evaluation on Vata (Ficus benghalensis linn.) Jata (Aerial Roots)

Introduction: Vata (Ficus benghalensis Linn.) is a sacred medicinal plant since Vedic times. It spread all over by its hanging or supporting roots, hence called as Vata. Aims: The aim was to study the macro- and microscopic characters, physiochemical and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) profile of Vata (F. benghalensis Linn.) Jata (aerial roots). Materials and Methods: Experiments were performed on authenticated plant materials, following standard procedures. Macroscopic and microscopic pharmacognostical characters of aerial roots and histochemical studies were noted. Results: Externally, the aerial root is gray and rough along with transverse rows of lenticels. Inner part of the aerial root is reddishbrown fibrous nature in bark portion. The powder microscopy study revealed the presence of fragment of simple fiber without lumen, stone cells with tannin, simple starch grain with hilum, compound starch grain, fiber with denim contents, latex contents, tannin contents rhomboidal crystal 2, rhomboidal crystal 3, group of stone cell with tannin, and fiber passing through medullary rays. Discussion: Transverse section of aerial root showed outer interesting exodermis followed by cork and cortex. Cortex region abundantly enriched by calcium oxalate crystal and tannin content are the diagnostic characters. Conclusion: Results of pharmacognostical and physiochemical analysis including HPTLC on aerial roots will help in further standardization.

Cryptochrome-Mediated Blue-Light Signal Contributes to Lignin Biosynthesis in Stone Cells in Pear Fruit

Cryptochrome-Mediated Blue-Light Signal Contributes to Lignin Biosynthesis in Stone Cells in Pear Fruit

Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Prishniparni-Desmodium Gangeticum (Linn.) DC.

Prishniparni –Desmodium gangeticum (Linn.) DC. is a well-known drug extensively discussed in the Ayurvedic classics. The plant and the therapeutical potential of its root is highly emphasized in the literature.Pharmacognosy is the study of crude drugs ofplant and animal origin based on macroscopic and microscopic examination for the authentication and quality control. In present study, macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of root, was performed. Powder macroscopy as well as microscopy of powderof the drug was conducted. Assessment of colour, texture, odour and taste of powder were done in powder macroscopy. The macroscopic features of root, such as size, shape, external characters, type of fracture, colour, odour and taste were analysed. In microscopicevaluation of root, the different types of cells, their arrangement and cell contents were observed. The presence of cell constituents like prismatic calcium oxalate crystals, starch grain, stone cells, cork cells and fibres etc in the powder was observedusing powder microscopy.

Comprehensive evaluation of Korla fragrant pears and optimization of plucking time during the harvest period

To optimize the harvest of Korla fragrant pears and to provide a theoretical basis for post-harvest processing, a total of 26 basic indices of Korla fragrant pears, including their morphology, quality, and softening age, were investigated. The harvest period ranged from August 22nd to October 6th, samples were collected every 5 d (totally 10 plucking days, indicated as H1-H10). The results indicated that changes in pectin content were the main causes of softening in fragrant pears. The scavenging of free radicals mainly occurred because of the collaborative effects of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). In the harvest periods H1-H3, the hardness, titratable acid (TA), chlorophyll content, density, and diameter of the stone cells, as well as the cellulose and hemicellulose content of the Korla fragrant pears were at their highest. During the periods H7-H10, the single-fruit weight, fruit horizontal and vertical diameter, color coordinates L, a*, b*, soluble-solids content (SSC), SOD activity, CAT activity, and water-soluble pectin were higher than in the other plucking periods. The highest vitamin C (VC) content and moderate values for a variety of indicators were observed during H3-H7. Variations in the Korla fragrant pears during H1-H3 mainly manifested through changes in softening-related parameters. During H3-H10, changes in the softening-related, aging-related, color-related, and quality indices had a dominant role. On this basis, some suggestions for the post-harvest processing of fragrant pears have been proposed. Fruit, during H1-H3, are suitable for transportation and storage; during H7-H10 are suitable for fresh-eating and further processing; and during H3-H7, exhibited moderate values for a variety of indicators and had the highest commercial value. This research provides a systematic evaluation of the characteristics of mature Korla fragrant pears during the harvest period and can form the basis for fruit quality control and processing of Korla fragrant pears. Keywords: Korla fragrant pear, harvest period, plucking time, quality, fruit maturity, evaluation, optimization DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20221503.6474 Citation: Wang Z T, Tang Y R, Jin X Z, Liu Y, Zhang H, Niu H, et al. Comprehensive evaluation of Korla fragrant pears and optimization of plucking time during the harvest period. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2022; 15(3): 242–250.

Production of reactive oxygen species by PuRBOHF is critical for stone cell development in pear fruit

The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by NADPH oxidase, which is also referred to as respiratory burst oxidase homolog (RBOH), affects several processes in plants. However, the role of RBOHs in cell wall lignification is not well understood. In this study, we show that PuRBOHF, an RBOH isoform, plays an important role in secondary wall formation in pear stone cells. ROS were closely associated with lignin deposition and stone cell formation according to microscopy data. In addition, according to the results of an in situ hybridization analysis, the stage-specific expression of PuRBOHF was higher in stone cells than in cells of other flesh tissues. Inhibitors of RBOH activity suppressed ROS accumulation and stone cell lignification in pear fruit. Moreover, transient overexpression of PuRBOHF caused significant changes in the amount of ROS and lignin that accumulated in pear fruit and flesh calli. We further showed that PuMYB169 regulates PuRBOHF expression, while PuRBOHF-derived ROS induces the transcription of PuPOD2 and PuLAC2. The findings of this study indicate that PuRBOHF-mediated ROS production, which is regulated by a lignin-related transcriptional network, is essential for monolignol polymerization and stone cell formation in pear fruit.

Transcriptome provides potential insights into how calcium affects the formation of stone cell in Pyrus

BackgroundThe content of stone cells in pears has a great influence on taste. Stone cells are formed by the accumulation of lignin. The treatment of exogenous calcium can affect the lignin synthesis, but this Ca-mediated mechanism is still unclear. In this study, the author performed a comparative transcriptomic analysis of callus of pears (Pyrus x bretschneideri) treated with calcium nitrate Ca (NO3)2 to investigate the role of calcium in lignin synthesis.ResultsThere were 2889 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) detected between the Control and Ca (NO3)2 treatment in total. Among these 2889 DEGs, not only a large number of genes related to Ca single were found, but also many genes were enriched in secondary metabolic pathway, especially in lignin synthesis. Most of them were up-regulated during the development of callus after Ca (NO3)2 treatment. In order to further explore how calcium nitrate treatment affects lignin synthesis, the author screened genes associated with transduction of calcium signal in DEGs, and finally found CAM, CML, CDPK, CBL and CIPK. Then the author identified the PbCML3 in pears and conducted relevant experiments finding the overexpression of PbCML3 would increase the content of pear stone cells, providing potential insights into how Ca treatment enhances the stone cell in pears.ConclusionsOur deep analysis reveals the effects of exogenous calcium on calcium signal and lignin biosynthesis pathway. The function of PbCML3 on stone cells formation was verified in pear.

A systems genetics approach reveals PbrNSC as a regulator of lignin and cellulose biosynthesis in stone cells of pear fruit

BackgroundStone cells in fruits of pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) negatively influence fruit quality because their lignified cell walls impart a coarse and granular texture to the fruit flesh.ResultsWe generate RNA-seq data from the developing fruits of 206 pear cultivars with a wide range of stone cell contents and use a systems genetics approach to integrate co-expression networks and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) to characterize the regulatory mechanisms controlling lignocellulose formation in the stone cells of pear fruits. Our data with a total of 35,897 expressed genes and 974,404 SNPs support the identification of seven stone cell formation modules and the detection of 139,515 eQTLs for 3229 genes in these modules. Focusing on regulatory factors and using a co-expression network comprising 39 structural genes, we identify PbrNSC as a candidate regulator of stone cell formation. We then verify the function of PbrNSC in regulating lignocellulose formation using both pear fruit and Arabidopsis plants and further show that PbrNSC can transcriptionally activate multiple target genes involved in secondary cell wall formation.ConclusionsThis study generates a large resource for studying stone cell formation and provides insights into gene regulatory networks controlling the formation of stone cell and lignocellulose.

Agathoxylon santanensis sp. nov. from the Aptian Crato fossil Lagerstätte, Santana Formation, Araripe Basin, Brazil

The study of a petrified twig under high-resolution optical microscopy allowed for the first formal record of the morphogenus Agathoxylon for the late Aptian Crato Member (Santana Formation, Araripe Basin, northeastern Brazil) and the description of a new species, Agathoxylon santanensis. The wood is characterized by mostly (95%) araucarian triseriate alternate bordered pits with hexagonal boundaries in a compact arrangement, and cross-field pits with araucarioid organization. In addition to Agathoxyon-type of xylem, the preservation of a belt of stone cells and axial resin ducts in the non-functional phloem, and an attached leaf with parallel venation showing longitudinally oriented stomata point to a probable Araucariaceae affinity. The presence of Agathoxylon xylem associated with phloem of Araucariaceae affinity in the Tropical-Equatorial Hot Arid belt indicate that the parent plants survived in different climatic zones in the Early Cretaceous of Western Gondwana, from periequatorial to warm and cool-temperate belts. The general growth pattern suggests that the growth interruptions zones were caused by temporary water stress, which was the limiting factor for favorable growing.

KARAKTERISASI SIMPLISIA DAN EKSTRAK KULIT BATANG SEKILANG (Embelia borneensis Scheff.)

The Sekilang plant (Embelia borneensis Scheff.) Is one of the plants used by the Dayak community for fishing, leech repellent and as an ingredient for hair care. Empirical use of plants can be developed into products based on natural ingredients. This must be supported by research data. As a first step, the simplicia and ethanol extract of the stem bark were characterized. The research objective was to determine the specific and non-specific characteristics of the simplicia and the extracts of the bark of the sekilang. The research stage includes plant determination, collection of raw materials, manufacture of simplicia, extract preparation, organoleptic, microscopic testing, phytochemical screening, determination of water soluble extract content, determination of ethanol soluble extract content, determination of water content and determination of ash content. Microscopy test results of sekilang stem bark showed the presence of fiber fragments, stone cells, and oxalate crystals. The average water soluble content for simplicia and sekilang bark extract was 7.5% and 80%. The average ethanol soluble content for simplicia and extract was 6% and 30%. The average moisture content for the simplicia and extract was 9.5% and 12%. The mean total ash content for simplicia and extract was 5% and 8.5%. The mean acid insoluble ash content for simplicia and extract was 1% and 0.5%.

Pharmacognostic Specifications of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W. T. Aiton Leaf and Tribulus terrestris L. Fruit: Important Medicinal Plants Used in Veterinary Products

Present article deals with the pharmacognostic specification of selected medicinal plants used in veterinary products for the purpose of their standardization, as evidential support concerning quality determination of plant material in veterinary medicine is scarce and there is poor documentation on primary studies of many species. The plants undertaken for the study were Calotropis procera (Apocynaceae) and Tribulus terresteris (Zygophyllaceae) on the basis of their usage relevance in veterinary products. Both plants are official in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Morphology as well as various pharmacognostic aspects of different parts of the plant were studied and have been described, which will help in authentication and quality control. The observed microscopic characters of Calotropis procera leaf were rubiaceous type apostomatic stomata, epidermis, collenchymas, parenchyma, vascular bundles, palisade cells, cortical fibres and lamina, trichomes on the cuticle of lamina. Microscopic characteristics of Tribulus terrestris fruit were epicarp cells showing clusters of calcium oxalate crystals, xylem vessels, group of thin walled sclerenchymatous fibres, group of stone cells of mesocarp. Powder microscopy of the Tribulus terrestris fruit shows abundance of epidermal trichomes - simple, short, long, thick walled, multicellular covered trichomes, sclereids. The qualitative microscopic features would prove useful for laying down their pharmacopoeial standards. The present study also provides the information with respect to identification and authentication of crude drug and serves as a reference point for the proper identification of Calotropis procera leaf and Tribulus terrestris fruit, thereby contributing to the scientific world of research.

Characterization of potential cellulose fiber from cattail fiber: A study on micro/nano structure and other properties

Exploration of the application prospects of cattail fibers (CFs) in natural composites, and other fields is important for the sustainable development of new, green, light-weight, functional biomass materials. In this study, the physical and chemical properties, micro/nano structure, and mechanical characteristics of CFs were investigated. The CFs have a low density (618.0 kg m−3). The results of transmission electron microscopy and tensile testing data indicated that the cattail trunk fiber (CTF) bundle is composed of parenchyma cells and solid stone cells, demonstrating high specific modulus (10.1 MPa∙m3·kg−1) and high elongation at break (3.9%). In turn, the cattail branch fiber (CBF) bundle is composed of parenchyma cells with specific “half-honeycomb” shape. The inner diaphragms divide these cells into the open cavities. This structural feature endows the CTF bundles with stable structure, good oil absorption and storage capacities. The chemical component and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses show that the CFs have higher lignin content (20.6%) and wax content (11.5%), which are conducive to the improvement of corrosion resistance, thermal stability and lipophilic–hydrophobic property of CF. Finally, the thermogravimetric analysis indicates that its final degradation temperature is 404.5 °C, which is beneficial to the increase in processability of CFs-reinforced composites.