Flowers Research Articles

Vanilla lindmaniana and V. palmarum (Orchidaceae) are distinct allopatric species

Background and aims – With more than 40 species, Brazil is the centre of diversity for Vanilla. Despite the species richness, few studies on species boundaries involving Brazilian taxa have been carried out. Consequently, many species have been synonymized under taxa with a wider distribution. This is the case for V. lindmaniana, a species currently synonymized under V. palmarum. While studying the diversity of Brazilian Vanilla, differences between plants from the Amazonia/Cerrado/Pantanal and Caatinga/Atlantic Forest Biomes were recorded. Material and methods – Detailed descriptions based on herbaria specimens and living material of V. lindmaniana and V. palmarum are provided and a morphological comparison is given. Illustrations of both species based on living plants is provided, and their geographic distributions are presented. Key results – Plants occurring in the Amazon, Cerrado, and Pantanal Biomes correspond to V. lindmaniana, while V. palmarum occurs in the Caatinga and Atlantic Forest Biomes. Vanilla lindmaniana is distinguished from V. palmarum by several vegetative and reproductive characteristics, such as the size of leaves and flower structures, and the shape of the fruits. Characteristics associated to pollination strongly differ between both taxa. Vanilla lindmaniana is ornithophilous, while the labellar morphology of V. palmarum suggests pollination by bees. Both species occur as epiphytes on palms: Vanilla lindmaniana predominantly on Acrocomia, Attalea, and Mauritia, while V. palmarum on Elaeis and Syagrus. Both V. lindmaniana and V. palmarum are assessed as Endangered. Conclusion – Appraisal of reproductive and vegetative characteristics from living specimens is crucial in delimitating species boundaries in Vanilla. Species delimitation based on ecological divergencies, plus geographic disjunctions have advanced the current evaluation and understanding of diversity in this economically and ecologically important orchid genus. All evidence reveals that V. lindmaniana is distinct from V. palmarum. Vanilla palmarum is endemic to Brazil, while V. lindmaniana is widely distributed throughout South America.

Re-evaluating the identity of Passiflora hastifolia (Passifloraceae), resulting into a new species of Passiflora ser. Menispermifoliae (Passifloraceae) from North-Central Peru

In 2009, a plant species from Tarapoto, Peru, was introduced into cultivation and identified as Passiflora hastifolia. However, a subsequent expedition to Bolivia, which included a visit to the type location of P. hastifolia, prompted a re-evaluation of the source material. This investigation revealed that the Peruvian material was incorrectly identified, leading to the recognition of a new species which is here described as Passiflora asprantha. The study provides a detailed comparison between P. hastifolia from Bolivia and the previously misidentified specimens circulating in popular cultivation under that name. Key differences in morphology, such as the acute apices of the leaf for P. hastifolia versus the ovoid apices in the Peruvian accessions; and flower structure which is pink-purple in P. hastifolia but fully white in the new species, are highlighted. Additionally, this paper includes notes on the ecology and distribution of the newly instated Passiflora asprantha, noting its specific habitat preferences and geographical range. This discovery contributes to the understanding of biodiversity within the Passiflora genus and underscores the importance of accurate species identification in botanical research.

Off-target drift of the herbicide dicamba disrupts plant-pollinator interactions via novel pathways.

While herbicide use in agriculture is expected to have many effects on surrounding weed communities, it is largely unknown how plant exposure to sublethal doses of herbicide may subsequently impact plant-pollinator interactions. We tested the hypothesis that sublethal herbicide exposure indirectly alters plant-pollinator interactions through changes in plant traits, and specifically through alterations in floral display. Using a common garden experiment, we exposed 11 weed species to the herbicide dicamba and examined the potential for changes in pollinator abundance and patterns of pollinator visitation as well as alterations to plant traits. We found variation among plant species in the extent of damage from dicamba drift, and variation in size, flowering time, and flower displays, with some plant species showing negative impacts and others showing little effect. Pollinator frequencies were reduced in dicamba-exposed plots, and pollinator visits were reduced for some weed species yet not for others. Structural equation modeling revealed that the relationship between flower display and pollinator visits was disrupted in the presence of dicamba. Our study provides the most comprehensive picture to date of the impacts of herbicide drift on plant-pollinator interactions, with findings that highlight an underappreciated role of services supplied by weedy communities.

Browns Creek mine, Blayney, NSW—a transtensional strike-slip fault-hosted Au–Cu skarn deposit

The Browns Creek Au–Cu skarn is restricted to a 50 m-wide fault zone developed in an interbedded sequence of Upper Ordovician mafic Blayney Volcanics and Cowriga Limestone Member adjacent to the mid-Silurian (434–425 Ma) Carcoar Granodiorite. The mineralised skarns are hosted within and controlled by the Mount David/4000E Fault zone, a dextral transtensional strike-slip fault that in cross-section has the form of a negative flower structure. This is consistent with components of dextral strike-slip motion recorded on regional faults likely guiding magma emplacement during the Benambran Orogeny. The skarns comprise a barren Stage 1 prograde pyroxene–garnet–wollastonite–anorthite assemblage followed by Stage 2 hornblende–biotite–epidote–magnetite–Fe–Cu–As sulfide skarn. These are overprinted by the strongly mineralised Stage 3 retrograde epidote–andradite garnet–chlorite Cu–Au skarn containing the bornite–chalcopyrite–chalcocite–gold ore, when probable magmatic-dominated hydrothermal fluids were channelled through the previously skarned strike-slip fault system that had become a permeable fault zone. Stage 4 sheeted vein-hosted prehnite–epidote–chlorite Au–Cu skarn formed when the strike-slip fault subsequently failed in tension to form gold-rich vertical extensional veins. Conditions for extensional fault reactivation and vein formation are discussed in terms of reshear criteria and fluid overpressure. The age of the mineralisation is constrained by late-stage monzonitic dykes that both crosscut and are themselves skarned by stages 3 and 4 assemblages. These co-magmatic dykes were dated at ca 435–425 Ma, which closely corresponds with the age of the Carcoar Granodiorite itself. Stable and radiogenic isotopes indicate that hydrothermal fluids associated with prograde and retrograde skarns are within the range for magmatic fluids with some mixing with fluids of meteoric origin during later stages of mineralisation. The Browns Creek Au–Cu skarn is typical of Au-skarns worldwide and is linked to mid-Silurian magmatism at a late stage in the Benambran Orogeny.

Urbanization decreases floral display without shifting sexual biomass allocation in Turnera subulata, a common tropical urban plant

Urbanization decreases floral display without shifting sexual biomass allocation in Turnera subulata, a common tropical urban plant

Female-biased nectar production is associated with the Darwin's inflorescence syndrome.

Plant reproduction is influenced not only by individual flower characteristics but also by the arrangement of flowers within inflorescences. In bee-pollinated plants with protandrous flowers in vertical acropetal inflorescences - where male fertile flower structures mature before female ones and basal flowers open first (i.e., Darwin's inflorescence configuration) - male-phase flowers are positioned above female-phase flowers. This arrangement benefits from the upward foraging motion of bees, reducing pollen transfer between flowers of the same plant and increasing pollen export. Additionally, female-biased nectar production in these species could reinforce upward bee movement, further reducing self-pollen transfer. We conducted a comparative study of 112 hermaphrodite angiosperm species with temporal separation of male and female reproductive functions (i.e., dichogamy) to explore whether female-biased nectar production is common among bee-pollinated species with Darwin's inflorescence configuration. Our results revealed female-biased nectar production in bee-pollinated species with Darwin's inflorescence configuration. In the absence of bee pollination, species with this type of inflorescence exhibit male-biased nectar production. Gender-biased nectar production is absent in species lacking this inflorescence type. Female-biased nectar production in vertical acropetal inflorescences with protandrous flowers likely evolved independently in different bee-pollinated species to enhance pollen export. Our study emphasizes the need for microevolutionary research on how nectar production patterns adapt to bee pollination in species with Darwin's inflorescence configuration.It also calls for investigation into the developmental biases influencing nectar production in plants with dichogamous flowers.

Regional Geological Data on the Volturno Basin Filling and Its Relationship to the Massico Structure (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy)

We built a regional geological section founded upon the assessment of a seismic line in the Volturno Basin, which is situated on the northern Campania continental shelf of the Tyrrhenian margin of Southern Italy. This section has been integrated with multichannel seismic data of Zone E (ViDEPI project) to highlight its relationships with the Massico structure. In the Volturno basin, there are four Pleistocene to Holocene units, recognized based on seismic analysis lie above deep seismo-stratigraphic units, related to Campania Latium carbonate platform and The Frosinone Flysch. Onshore and offshore seismic data, calibrated with lithostratigraphic correlation, have displayed the seismo-stratigraphic framework, including both sedimentary and volcanic seismo-stratigraphic units. Of these, the lavas associated with the Northern Campania Volcanic Zone’s Villa Literno volcano are associated with seismic unit 2a. Seismo-stratigraphic data has shown the offshore prolongation of the Massico structure, as involved by normal faults and flower structures. The whole-data interpretation suggests that the tectonic activity acted in correspondence to normal faults, which have controlled half-graben and interposed structural highs, fitting to the regional geological setting of the continental margin.

Flower size evolution in the Southwest Pacific.

Despite accelerating interest in island evolution, the general evolutionary trajectories of island flowers remain poorly understood. In particular the island rule, which posits that small organisms become larger and large organisms to become smaller after island colonization, while tested in various plant traits, has never been tested in flower size. Here, we provide the first test for the island rule in flower size for animal- and wind-pollinated flowers, and the first evidence for generalized in-situ evolution of flower size on islands. Focusing on 10 archipelagos in the Southwest Pacific, we amassed a dataset comprising 129 independent colonization events, by pairing each island endemic to its closest mainland relative. We then tested for the island rule in flower size and for gigantism/dwarfism in floral display for animal- and wind-pollinated flowers. Animal-pollinated flowers followed the island rule, while wind-pollinated flowers did not, instead showing evidence of gigantism. Results remained consistent after controlling for breeding system, mainland source pool, degree of taxonomic differentiation, taxonomic family, and island type. While in situ evolution of flower size is widespread on islands in the Southwest Pacific, animal- and wind- pollinated flowers exhibited unexpected and markedly different evolutionary trajectories. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms behind these patterns.

Drought and High Temperatures Impact the Plant–Pollinator Interactions in Fagopyrum esculentum

As a result of climate change, temperate regions are facing the simultaneous increase in water and heat stress. These changes may affect the interactions between plants and pollinators, which will have an impact on entomophilous crop yields. Here, we investigated the consequences of high temperatures and water stress on plant growth, floral biology, flower-reward production, and insect visitation of five varieties of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), an entomophilous crop of growing interest for sustainable agriculture. The plants were grown under two temperature regimes (21 °C/19 °C and 28 °C/26 °C, day/night) and two watering regimes (well-watered and water-stressed). Our results showed that the reproductive growth was more affected by drought and high temperatures than was the vegetative growth, and that combined stress had more detrimental effects. However, the impact of drought and high temperatures was variety-dependent. Drought and/or high temperatures reduced the number of open flowers per plant, as well as the floral resources (nectar and pollen), resulting in a decrease in pollinator visits, mainly under combined stress. Although the proportion of Hymenoptera visiting the flowers decreased with high temperatures, the proportion of Diptera remained stable. The insect visiting behavior was not strongly affected by drought and high temperatures. In conclusion, the modification of floral display and floral resources induced by abiotic stresses related to climate change alters plant–pollinator interactions in common buckwheat.

Fish and bovine collagen promote higher migration and adhesion of dermal cells pre-treated with wound-healing herbal extracts.

Dermal cells fabricate and interact with the extracellular matrix to preserve structural integrity and further healthy function during wound healing. Collagen is a critical component of the matrix, challenging collagen's stability during wound injury. Natural sources especially plant extracts can promote wound healing and interact with collagen to increase its action. In this context, we studied the effect of extracted fish and bovine collagen in controlling cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion in dermal cells pretreated with plant extract. An acid-solubilization procedure was used to extract collagen fish (CF) and bovine (CB). Three different hydro-ethanolic extracts were prepared Pistacia lentiscus leaves (PL), Calendula officinalis leaves (FL), and flowers (FS). Migration potency was determined using scratch assay. The covered surface area was estimated after 16 hours and 24 hours after cell seeding. The chemotaxis was determined by the Boyden chamber, and the film was coated with CF or CB (10 µg/mL). or poly-L-lysine (50 µg/mL). We show that CF and CB increase adherence and migration of 3T3-L1 cells, which are pretreated with PL, FL, and FS. In addition, we highlighted a significantly higher cell adhesion on the CF matrix compared to CB. However, in the case of cells pre-treated with PL, the attachment to CF and CB increased significantly compared to untreated cells. The exposition of Hacat cells to plant extracts regulates the secretion of MMP2 and MMP and the production of reactive oxygen species. CF and CB promote higher migration and adhesion of dermal cells pre-treated with wound-healing herbal extracts. In future studies, composite dressings based on collagen, P. lentiscus, and C. officinalis extracts can potentially be developed for tissue regeneration.

Kin discrimination causes plastic responses in floral and clonal allocation.

The composition of a plant's neighbourhood shapes its competitive interactions. Neighbours may be related individuals due to limited seed dispersal or clonal growth, so that the ability to recognize and respond to the presence of kin is beneficial. Here, we ask whether plants plastically adjust their floral and clonal allocation in response to their neighbour's identity. In a species that reproduces both sexually and clonally, we test the following predictions in response to neighbouring kin: (i) a reduction in floral display will occur to minimize costly floral structures and pollinator competition, as well as to mitigate inbreeding; and (ii) a decrease in clonality will occur to minimize resource competition and overcrowding among kin. We grew focal individuals of Mimulus guttatus (syn. Erythranthe guttata) surrounded by neighbours of varying relatedness (non-kin, outcross siblings or self siblings) and measured a suite of vegetative, floral and clonal traits. Consistent with our predictions, focal plants reduced floral and clonal allocation in the presence of kin. Moreover, focal plants increased their floral and clonal allocation when surrounded by non-kin neighbours that were high-performing. Together, we demonstrate a clear and predictable response to kin, which has general implications for the structure and function of plant neighbourhoods.

Abnormalities in male gametophytes development responsible for low seed set of Peudosasa subsolida.

Pseudosasa subsolida belongs to the Pseudosasa genus within the Poaceae family. Due to its unique flowering cycle and the physiological traits associated with asexual reproduction, acquiring floral material from P. subsolida is particularly challenging. To investigate the causes of the low seed set rate in P. subsolida, floral organs and the development of male and female gametes were examined using conventional paraffin sectioning. The results revealed that the spikelet of P. subsolida exhibited the characteristics of a pseudospikelet with a latent bud, while the inflorescence displayed traits of an infinite inflorescence. Each spikelet contained approximately 10-16 florets and was accompanied by two bracts at its base. The fundamental structure of the florets comprised one lemma, one palea, three lodicules, three stamens, and one pistil. At the later stages of anther development, some abnormalities were observed, including the failure of pollen grains to form, deformation and shrinkage of the cells in the anther sac and tapetum, loss of the cells in the middle layer, cavitation of the microspores, and no identifiable contents The study concluded that the primary factor contributing to the low seed setting rate of P. subsolida was the aberrant development of male gametophytes. The significance of this study lay in its pioneering exploration of the reproductive structure of P. subsolida, and provide a theoretical reference for the fundamental examination of flower structure.

Floral developmental insights into two species of Erythrina (Fabaceae: Papilionoideae: Phaseoleae) pollinated by hummingbirds and passerines.

Erythrina is a Pantropical bird-pollinated genus of Fabaceae. Thus, its flowers are usually large, showy, red or yellowish, offering nectar as the principal resource. There are two main interaction systems with birds in Erythrina: in one, the inflorescences are erect and the flowers are horizontal, offering no landing platform; in the other, the inflorescences are horizontal and the flower parts are more exposed. Erythrina speciosa is pollinated by hummingbirds and E. poeppigiana is pollinated by passerines. Despite their structural variation, little is known about how species of the same genus diverge ontogenetically to form flowers adapted to pollinators with different beak morphology and feeding behaviors. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate floral development in two species according to their pollination system. Flowers and buds were collected and fixed for analysis using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. Some characteristics are common to both species: the formation of a pseudoracemose inflorescence, the unidirectional emergence of floral organs, and the formation of a short staminal sheath involving nine of the ten stamens (diadelphous androecium). Other characteristics, notably those related to the late stages of floral development, gradually diverged. Among them are inflorescence formation pattern; the formation of reduced and free keel petals in E. speciosa, while in E. poeppigiana they are longer and postgenitally united by their lower margins; and the participation of the standard in the floral display. The studied species share several traits common to other Papilionoideae, but some similarities between the species studied may not be phylogenetically related and reveal the potential ontogenetic pathways of functional convergence that flowers have experienced throughout evolution in the genus.

Synthesis and characterization of undoped and Co-Doped Bismuth Ferrite nanoparticles for photovoltaic applications

Abstract In this paper, we reported the structural, vibrational, and optical absorption properties of chemically synthesized multiferroic bismuth iron oxide (BiFeO3) (BFO) and cobalt-doped bismuth iron oxide (BFCO) nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were synthesized via sol–gel methods and annealed at 450 °C for a duration of two hours. Characterization was conducted through techniques such as UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). XRD analysis revealed average crystallite sizes of 19.1 nm and 20.8 nm for BFO and BFCO, respectively, with no secondary phase observed in the cobalt-doped BFO nanoparticles. Structural analysis via XRD indicated a transformation from rhombohedral to orthorhombic symmetry in the doped BFO nanoparticles. The optical band gap energies were determined to be 2.43 eV for BFO and 2.33 eV for BFCO. The reduction in the band gap in BFCO may be help for relevant for the photovoltaic application. FTIR spectroscopy identified characteristic peaks, including the O–H single bond at 3417 cm−1 and vibrations corresponding to metal–oxygen/Fe–O, Bi–O stretching, and O–Fe–O bending vibrations in BFO and BFCO within the spectral range of 400–1000 cm−1. The morphology and crystallinity of these materials were assed using a SEM, revealing a progressively complex arrangement of flower structures in both BFO and BFCO.

Reconstructing active tectonics from land–sea correlations based on cross‐interpretation of core and seismic data for the Tyrrhenian coastal segment in southern Italy

AbstractThe current setting of most Tyrrhenian coastal plains in central‐southern Italy is the result of the interaction between sedimentary inputs, tectonic movements, and sea level changes during the Quaternary. Based on a comprehensive review of data from the literature on the stratigraphic setting of the coastal plains of Volturno and Garigliano Rivers, and with the final output being a validated 3D geological model, this study provides new elements for improved definition of the chronological intervals of fault activity. Specifically, the ages of tectonic deformations and/or subsidence are crucial for future estimates of coastal hazards induced by both seismicity and coastal inundations. Our multidisciplinary approach includes (i) definition of the Late Quaternary sedimentary architecture by revision of a large amount of core data, (ii) acquisition of offshore seismic reflection data and their correlation with sedimentary bodies of the coastal plains, and (iii) structural analysis of the main faults. These investigations were conducted on the marine segment offshore Mount Massico and on contiguous portions of the Volturno and Garigliano alluvial–coastal plains. The acquisition of seismic and core data enabled the definition of the sedimentary architecture of the coastal sectors of the plains. The Mt. Massico ridge (northern Campania), comprising Mesozoic–Cenozoic units of the orogenic chain and morphologically separating the two plains, was the subject of mesostructural analysis of fault orientation and kinematics. The seismic lines were calibrated correctly using two close stratigraphic core logs from the Garigliano Plain. The identification of correlatable and/or coeval stratigraphic/seismic units reveals land–sea correlations. These units are clearly affected by recent faulting expressed by complex deformation patterns, such as flower structures and strike‐slip faults.

Morphological and pomological characterization of F2 generation cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) plants of different fruit types

In general, when the traits related to cucumber breeding are examined, morphological traits such as leaf and flower characteristics, fruit; size, shape, spines, fruit flesh set, as well as yield are among the most important factors among the breeding selection criteria. The morphological and pomological characterization of 109 plants belonging to 16 F2 lines of different fruit types under soilless agriculture conditions were carried out and lines with breeding material value were identified. The average fruit weights of the lines with different fruit types were determined as mini (snack) type 53.88 g, beith alpha type 138.84 g, gherkin type 49.95 g and long european type 194.22 g. The highest fruit flesh firmness was determined as 0.98 kg/cm2 in lines with mini (snack) fruit type, while the lowest was determined as 0.59 kg/cm2 in lines with beith alpha fruit type. Warts on the fruit surface were detected on C355 and N285 lines with gherkin fruit type and C348 line with long european fruit type, while there were without warts on the fruit surfaces of other lines. Beith alpha fruit type, 8 plants of line C350 had monoecious flower structure, while the plants of other lines had gynoic flower structure. The longest internode was 13.75 cm in line N285 and the shortest internode was 8.53 cm in line C350. Differences between lines and plants with different fruit type were determined by principal component analysis. It was determined that there was a wide variation among the plants in terms of all the traits examined and the traits that can be used as breeding material for future studies in cucumber were identified.

Assessment of the authenticity of horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.) flowers by scanning electron microscopy

Introduction. Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.) is a plant widely used in official and folk medicine in many countries. Pharmacopoeia raw materials in the Russian Federation are only horse chestnut seeds. Flowers, due to the fraction of phenolic derivatives and triterpene saponins contained in them, are a promising medicinal plant raw material, presumably having a venotonizing and membrane-protective effect. To obtain medicinal herbal preparations based on horse chestnut flowers, it is required to have regulatory documentation containing a list of quality indicators, including a description of the signs of its authenticity (morphology and anatomy). Scanning electron microscopy is one of the advanced methods that have recently been increasingly used in medicine and pharmacognostic analysis. Unlike light microscopy, the method provides a three-dimensional spatial representation of diagnostically significant signs of medicinal plant raw materials.Aim. The aim of the study was to study the morphology of the surface of horse chestnut flowers by scanning electron microscopy.Materials and methods. The object of the study was dried whole flowers of horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.), collected in the Voronezh region in 2023 at the beginning of flowering. The pieces of flowers were pre-sprayed with silicon on an automatic spraying unit Q150R ES (Quorum Technologies Ltd., Great Britain). Micrographs were obtained using the JSM-6510LV electron microscope (JEOL Ltd., Japan).Results and discussion. The micrographs obtained during the analysis showed diagnostically significant features of the flower structure: the epidermal cells of the corolla petals are polygonal, irregularly shaped, some elongated with sinuous folds. Pollen grains can be collected in cluster-like clusters, located separately or found singly. The surface of the corolla petal is covered with numerous often twisting hairs having a rough-warped structure and a cone-shaped base with a clearly defined attachment point. The surface of the staminate filaments is striated, with longitudinal folds with single unicellular hairs. The anther has a folded shape, its surface is lined with scaly epidermal cells with rough and thickened walls. The surface of the calyx, including the pedicel, is also densely pubescent with numerous trichomes.Conclusion. The scanning electron microscopy method was used for the first time to study the morphological and anatomical features of horse chestnut flowers. The structure of the main diagnostically significant structures of this LRS has been clarified. The morphology of the epidermis surface of the petals of the corolla and calyx, trichomes, pollen filaments, anthers and pollen grains of flowers has been determined. It has been established that carbon and oxygen are the predominant elements of the raw materials.

Characteristics of strong earthquake preparation in main-seismic type and multi-seismic type earthquake segments in the North China tectonic region

The North China Tectonic Zone (NCTZ) is the most seismically active area in eastern China, where a large number of strong earthquakes, especially M8 or so, had occurred. In order to study the risk of future strong earthquakes in the NCTZ, we study tectonic features of strong earthquakes and the time series features of Ms ≥ 5 earthquakes since the year 1484 (MT). The results show that the 14 seismic segments of faults are classified into Main-seismic types and multi-seismic types. The characteristics of the main seismic segment include: NNE dextral strike-slip faults, only one prominent around M8 main shock has occurred since the year 1484, most of the deep and large faults cutting the Moho surface below the main earthquakes with high angles, the flower structures of tectonics. The characteristics of multi-seismic type include: NWW left-lateral strike-slip faults, NEE oriented tensional faults, convergence areas of several sets of faults since the year 1484, and the magnitude of most of them was not greater than M7.0. Finally, we analyze the strong-earthquake-generating characteristics of the similar seismic segments and discuss their strong-earthquake-generating patterns based on the relationship between the rupture zone and the main compressive stress field.

Effect of Malvaviscus arboreus Flower and Leaf Extract on the Functional, Antioxidant, Rheological, Textural, and Sensory Properties of Goat Yogurt.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of incorporating different concentrations (1% and 2%) of Malvaviscus arboreus flower (FE) and leaf (LE) extracts as functional ingredients in goat milk yogurt. This study analyzed the impact of these formulations (YFE1%, YFE2%, YLE1%, and YLE2%) on the physicochemical, bioactive, antioxidant, rheological, textural, and sensory properties of goat yogurt over a 28-day storage period. Including FE and LE extracts significantly enhanced the yogurt's antioxidant activity, reaching up to 10.17 µmol TEAC/g, and strengthened its ability to inhibit lipid oxidation during storage. This study also observed a reduction in the viability of lactic acid bacteria, particularly L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, suggesting that the extracts may have antimicrobial properties. Notably, using FE, especially at a concentration of 2% (YFE2%), improved both antioxidant and textural properties while reducing syneresis by the end of the storage period. Sensory evaluations showed positive results for YFE1% and YFE2% formulations. These findings suggest that FE has significant potential as a functional food ingredient. This research lays the groundwork for future studies exploring the integration of Malvaviscus arboreus-based ingredients into functional food products, opening new possibilities for innovation in this field.

Teratogenesis of flowers and inflorescences in the indication of anthropogenic load

In the general environmental monitoring system of Donbass, signs of indicative significance in plant structure have been identified - at the level of macromarkers Verbascum lychnitis L. in the structure of flowers and inflorescences of typical species of natural and man-made ecotopes. It has been established that with an increase in anthropogenic transformation of ecosystems, structural and functional disorders arise in plants of the natural flora, the severity of which is an indicator of unfavorable factors of influence. Such structural transformations are considered as general and special cases of pathologies (anomalies) - teratogenesis of the generative sphere, reflected at the habitual level of the entire architectonics of the plant, as well as in the structure of the parts of the flower and their mutual arrangement.