Studied Plant Species Research Articles

Classified Plant Al-Dhahiriya in the South of Palestine

We studied plant species of Dhahiriya in the period between January to October 2021, and January to Jun 2024, due to the importance of plants in that vital part of Palestine, which is located in southern Palestine, including that region’s climate, and unique plants that represent of the Mediterranean region plants, North Africa, Sinai desert, Negev, Dead Sea, and Red Sea. It used the Braun-Blanquet (1979) method for the identification of plants. Moreover, Plants have been studied in Dhahiriya, located in southern Palestine. A total of 770 species from 70 families were identified, of which 86 (11.16%) are endemic. The plant families with the highest representation were Asteraceae (14.54%), Fabaceae (14%), Poaceae (7.41%), and Lamiaceae (5.19%). Regarding plant life forms, Therophytes account for 47%, Hemicryptophytes for 20.35%, Shrubs or Chamaephytes for 14.05%, and Trees or Phanerophytes for 9.05%, with a notable increase in spring.

Choosing the optimal technology for obtaining Crocus alatavicus extract with a high content of flavonoids and carotenoids

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in demand for herbal medicines, due to the growing interest of consumers in natural and safe alternatives to synthetic medicines. In response to these trends, manufacturers are focusing on developing new formulas and extraction technologies to meet the increased demand for herbal medicines. Modern extraction methods make it possible to efficiently extract secondary metabolites from plant raw materials, maintaining an almost complete chemical composition and ensuring a high yield of extractives. The possibility of regulating the concentration of extracted biologically active substances during the process opens up new prospects for the use of plant raw materials as basic pharmaceutical substances. It was found that all the studied plant species of the genus Crocus L. demonstrate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective activity. Crocus alatavicus, which is a representative of the flora of Kazakhstan, is of particular interest. The purpose of this study is to select the optimal extraction method for obtaining extracts with the maximum content of flavonoids and carotenoids from the aboveground part of Crocus alatavicus. The study of the technological parameters of obtaining an extract from this plant active substance is of practical importance for the further development of medicines and the formation of a scientific justification for their use.

Absence of Gigasporales and rarity of spores in a hot desert revealed by a multimethod approach.

Hot deserts impose extreme conditions on plants growing in arid soils. Deserts are expanding due to climate change, thereby increasing the vulnerability of ecosystems and the need to preserve them. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) improve plant fitness by enhancing plant water/nutrient uptake and stress tolerance. However, few studies have focused on AMF diversity and community composition in deserts, and the soil and land use parameters affecting them. This study aimed to comprehensively describe AMF ecological features in a 5,000 km2 arid hyperalkaline region in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. We used a multimethod approach to analyse over 1,000 soil and 300 plant root samples of various species encompassing agricultural, old agricultural, urban and natural ecosystems. Our method involved metabarcoding using 18S and ITS2 markers, histological techniques for direct AMF colonization observation and soil spore extraction and observation. Our findings revealed a predominance of AMF taxa assigned to Glomeraceae, regardless of the local conditions, and an almost complete absence of Gigasporales taxa. Land use had little effect on the AMF richness, diversity and community composition, while soil texture, pH and substantial unexplained stochastic variance drove these compositions in AlUla soils. Mycorrhization was frequently observed in the studied plant species, even in usually non-mycorrhizal plant taxa (e.g. Amaranthaceae, Urticaceae). Date palms and Citrus trees, representing two major crops in the region, however, displayed a very low mycorrhizal frequency and intensity. AlUla soils had a very low concentration of spores, which were mostly small. This study generated new insight on AMF and specific behavioral features of these fungi in arid environments.

Technology Readiness Level Roadmap for Developing Innovative Herbal Medicinal Products.

Despite the vast global botanical diversity, the pharmaceutical development of herbal medicinal products (HMPs) remains underexploited. Of over 370,000 described plant species, only a few hundred are utilized in HMPs. Most of these have originated from traditional use, and only a minority come from megadiverse countries. Exploiting the pharmacological synergies of the hundreds of compounds found in poorly studied plant species may unlock new therapeutic possibilities, enhance megadiverse countries' scientific and socio-economic development, and help conserve biodiversity. However, extensive constraints in the development process of HMPs pose significant barriers to transforming this unsatisfactory socio-economic landscape. This paper proposes a roadmap to overcome these challenges, based on the technology readiness levels (TRLs) introduced by NASA to assess the maturity of technologies. It aims to assist research entities, manufacturers, and funding agencies from megadiverse countries in the discovery, development, and global market authorization of innovative HMPs that comply with regulatory standards from ANVISA, EMA, and FDA, as well as WHO and ICH guidelines.

Nature-Based Solutions to Reduce Air Pollution: A Case Study from Plovdiv, Bulgaria, Using Trees, Herbs, Mosses and Lichens

Nature-based solutions (NBSs) are becoming more and more recognized as useful instruments to address the challenges that urban areas are currently facing, i.e., climate change adaptation, flood mitigation, etc. In the present study, we aimed to: (1) compare the efficiency of mosses, lichens, herbs and trees in removing pollutants from the urban air using their biomonitoring potential; (2) assess their efficiency as nature-based solutions to mitigate urban air pollution; and (3) propose a framework for implementing such NBSs in urban areas. The first step involved analyses of the concentrations of 20 potentially toxic elements in eight selected biomonitors. After that, an assessment of their removal capacity was made on the basis of elements accumulation. This is the first complex study in an urban area involving the simultaneous application of organisms of eight different species and four different systematic groups (lichenized fungi, mosses, herbaceous plants, woody species) as well as such a large number of potentially hazardous elements. The present study sheds new light on some well-known biomonitors in the context of their application for air pollution mitigation. The great potential of the eight studied plant species for efficient removal of potentially toxic elements is highlighted and their implementation into NBS frameworks is recommended.

Dynamics of 137Cs content in higher aquatic plants of Kyiv and Kaniv Reservoirs

The study aimed to determine the temporal parameters of 137Cs specific activity in higher aquatic plants of Kyiv and Kaniv reservoirs. Parameters characterizing the dynamics of 137Cs content for hydrophytes (Potamogeton perfoliatus and Ceratophyllum demersum) and helophytes (Phragmites australis and Typha angustifolia) were determined based on the results of 137Cs specific activity determination in the aboveground plant organs. Plant samples were collected in 1989–2021 from a polygonal area in the upper part of Kyiv reservoir (shallow waters near Strakholyssia village) and in 2000–2021 from a polygonal area in the middle part of the Kaniv reservoir (shallow waters near Rzhyschiv and the Borispol islands). A model of specific activity of aquatic organisms was substantiated (or developed) in case of exponential decrease in radionuclide levels in the environment. The main parameter of the model is the period of resulting halving of organism specific activity due to the decrease in radionuclide concentration in water, its irreversible fixation in bottom sediments, and radioactive decay. During 1989–2021, the half-life period of 137Cs specific activity in Potamogeton perfoliatus, Ceratophyllum demersum, and Phragmites australis of Kyiv reservoir was 5.4 years. Two time intervals were identified, characterized by different intensities of radionuclide specific activity decrease. During the periods of 1989–1996 (1998), the specific activity of 137Cs in the studied plant species decreased by half in approximately 2 years. For the time interval of 2011(2012)–2021, the half-life period of 137Cs content in Potamogeton perfoliatus and Ceratophyllum demersum increased on average to 12 years. A tendency towards a slowdown in the rate of specific activity decrease was observed for Phragmites australis. During 1987–1996, the half-life period of maximum 137Cs specific activity in higher aquatic plants of Kaniv reservoir was 2.1 years. Thus, during the first decade after the accident, the rates of 137Cs content decrease in plants of Kyiv and Kaniv reservoirs did not differ. In 2000–2021, the rate of 137Cs specific activity decrease in Potamogeton perfoliatus and Ceratophyllum demersum of Kaniv reservoir corresponded on average to a half-life period of about 20 years. For Phragmites australis and Typha angustifolia, only a tendency to decrease in 137Cs activity was noted, corresponding to a half-life period of about 40 years. Over time, the half-life period of 137Cs specific activity in higher aquatic plants of Kyiv and Kaniv reservoirs increases, which is explained by the slowdown in the rate of decrease in volumetric activity of 137Cs in the waters of the Dnipro and Pripyat rivers. A model of 137Cs specific activity in higher aquatic plants of reservoirs for periods exceeding 20 years after accidental radionuclide entry into ecosystems of large plain reservoirs has been proposed. The parameters of the model describing the dynamics of 137Cs specific activity can be used for predictive assessments of 137Cs content in higher aquatic plants in the event of accidental radionuclide entry into ecosystems of large plain reservoirs.

Variation of plant species as feed sources in honey beekeeping in Jambi and South Sumatera Indonesia

Plant species as a feed source for honey bees are an important factor in their survival. In addition to supporting the production process of honey bees, plants also affect the quality of honey produced. This study aimed to study plant species’ presence in honey bees’ lives and behaviors. The research used a survey method with honey beekeepers as respondents in Jambi and South Sumatra, asking about various plants grown around rearing boxes. Beekeepers have planted various plants producing pollen, resin, and nectar. Plants can also be categorized into three major groups: annual fruit, ornamental, and industrial plants. The distance between plants and rearing boxes will affect the different behaviors of honey bees. In honeybees such as Apis cerana, planting was done at a radius of 5–100 meters, while Apis mellifera in Jambi was mostly farmed around acacia and oil palm trees. For stingless bees, such as Heterotrigona itama, the presence of plants must be closer, considering their ability to fly was more limited than that of honey bees. Ornamental plants such as Antigonon flavescens were visited by honey bees in the morning (7–9 am) and afternoon (3–5 pm), while annual fruit plants were visited in the morning (7–9 am).

«Green» structures in the urbanized environment: studying the impact of «green» roofs on environmental parameters and rainwater quality. Bibliographic review

A quantitative analysis of the most cited articles published in the Scopus scientometric database by 2023 is carried out. It is shown that most of the publications, the object of study of which are "green" structures, focus on the study of "green" roofs. It is shown that since 1981, the number of studies on green roofs has been steadily increasing: approximately 45% of articles focus on the benefits in terms of thermal impact and thermal insulation, 18% on rainwater drainage, 15% on air quality, 5% on the noise-absorbing properties of green roofs, and 17% on the costs of building and operating green roofs, recreational facilities, fire protection, and other related issues. The requirements and commonly used materials for a standard green roof are described, as well as the percentage of scientific publications, depending on the functions and layers of green roof construction involved. An analysis of the most cited scientific studies on the impact of green roof systems on wastewater quality was conducted. It is shown that the results of the studies presented in these publications indicate the need for further study of the impact of a "green" roof on the amount of pollution in the water flowing from its surface. It is emphasized that further research should focus on the structural layers of the roof (thickness and materials used), namely the thickness and types of substrate layers, as well as on the conditions of plant care (e.g., fertilization), especially on intensive green roofs. In addition, it should be studied and analyzed how the retention of rainwater by plants and the soil layer of a green roof affects the relative humidity of the air near the building during periods without rain. The most cited scientific studies on the reduction of air pollutants by means of green roofs are analyzed. It is concluded that future research should focus on the study of plant species that are well adapted to growing on roofs (in temperate climates) and most effectively carry out the process of photosynthesis, absorbing CO2 and releasing O2 into the atmosphere around the building. The article analyzes the most cited scientific publications on the noise-absorbing properties of green roofs. It is substantiated that it is necessary to maximize the percentage of green roofs implementation on all buildings and structures in the city so that green roofs can significantly affect the quality of the environment in urbanized areas.

Antioxidant capacity of an ethanolic extract of Elaeagnus x submacrophylla Servett. leaves

In this study, we investigated the ethanolic extraction of the leaves of a very common but little studied plant species, Elaeagnus x submacrophylla Servett. and the opportunity of generating an antioxidant ingredient. The phytochemical profile of an ethanolic extract is also described here using gas chromatography and ultra-performance liquid chromatography, both combined with mass spectrometry (GC-MS and UPLC-MS), highlighting the presence of flavonoids, saponins, triterpenoids and a set of volatile compounds. Through in vitro assays (DPPH, ABTS, ORAC), the free radical scavenging capacity of the ingredient was then investigated (from 0.25 to 1.75 mmol TE/g) and compared with well-known standard antioxidants (BHT, gallic acid, quercetin, Trolox and vitamin C). In addition, in cellulo antioxidant capacity was performed using mice fibroblasts, revealing an activity equivalent to 50 mg/L of quercetin when tested the ethanolic extract in the concentration range of 50–300 mg/L, suggesting a synergistic combination effect of the identified phytochemicals. These results support the use of Elaeagnus x submacrophylla as a source of antioxidant ingredients.

COMPONENT COMPOSITIONS OF THE ESSENTIAL OIL AND PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS OF THE AERIAL PART OF LOPHANTHUS SCHTSCHUROVSKIANUS

The component composition of the essential oil (EO) obtained by hydrodistillation from the air dried aerial part of the Lophanthus schtschurowskianus (Regel) Lipsky, growing in the Surkhandarya region of the Republic of Uzbekistan, was studied. By the GC-MS method were identified 57 components in the composition of EO, which was 93.8% of the total amount of oil, of which 52 volatile compounds were identified. The main components of the essential oil were 1,8-cineol (13.4%), viridiflorol (8.5%), α-terpineol (4.3%), terpinen-4-ol (4.2%), τ-cadinol (4.1%), β-spatulenol (3.9%), α-p-dimethylstyrene (2.1%). Oxygenated monoterpenes (33.6%) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (24.7%) predominate in the composition of the essential oil; compounds related to sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (8.6%) were also found. The composition of the EO components of L. schtschurowskianus significantly differs from the EOs of other studied plant species of the genus Lophanthus.
 The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the essential oil, as well as various extracts from the aerial parts of L. schtschurowskianus, was studied using a modified agar diffusion method. Gram-positive bacteria were found to be susceptible to all the studied samples. Among the studied samples, the essential oil showed the highest antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli.
 Three individual phenolic compounds were isolated from various fractions of a 75% alcoholic extract of the aerial part of L. schtschurowskianus, which, based on the study of 1H, 13C NMR, HSQC and HMBC spectra, were identified as caffeic, rosmarinic acids and luteolin.

Leaf anatomy affects optical properties and enhances photosynthetic performance under oblique light.

Photosynthesis under oblique illumination has not been studied extensively despite being the prevailing light regime under natural conditions. We studied how photosynthetic rate (An) is affected by the geometrical arrangement between leaf lamina and light rays, in conjunction with key anatomical features; studied plant species selected based on the absence (homobaric) or the occurrence of bundle sheath extensions (BSEs; heterobaric) and the arrangement of these structures, that is, parallel (monocots) or reticulated (dicots). The direction of light ray affected leaf absorptance (Abs) and An; both were maximal when the angle of incidence of light on leaf surface (polar angle, θ) was 90°. For any lower θ, both Abs and An were higher when the angle between the leaf axis and the light rays (azimuthal angle, φ) was zero. The dependence of Abs and An from φ was only evident in monocots and, especially, in heterobaric compared to homobaric leaves. In some species, An was substantially higher than predicted from calculated photon flux density of oblique light. The occurrence of BSEs, especially in monocots, significantly alters leaf optical properties, resulting in more efficient photosynthesis under oblique illumination conditions.

Preservation of some rare species of natural flora in the Subtropical Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Conservation issues related to biological diversity, especially rare and endangered plant species, remain among the most pressing challenges. Scientific institutions and botanical gardens play a crucial role in addressing this problem. The Federal Research Centre "Subtropical Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences" (FRC SSC RAS) has been actively involved in the study of natural flora, including rare species, since the mid-1990s. The objective of these studies was to explore 48 rare plant species belonging to 34 genera from the families Boraginaceae, Ranunculaceae, Asparagaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Asteraceae, Orchidaceae, and Iridaceae in the conditions of the humid subtropics of Russia. The research revealed that the studied species are perennial herbaceous plants with high decorative qualities. Among them, 29 % are rhizomatous, 23 % are bulbous, 21 % are cormous, 19 % are short-rhizomatous, and 8% are tree-like. Phenological observations indicated that all species flowered, and almost all bore fruits. Winter-flowering species constituted 10% of the collection, spring-flowering species – 48 %, summer-flowering species – 31 %, and autumn-flowering species – 10 %. The studied plant species have various conservation statuses, with 16 species listed in the Red Books of the Russian Federation, 24 in the Krasnodar region, 20 in Sochi, 36 in other regions of the Russian Federation, and 20 on the IUCN Red List. Fourteen species are identified as rare and endemic.

Impact of Sodium Nitroprusside on the Photosynthetic Performance of Maize and Sorghum.

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important molecule in regulating plant growth, development and photosynthetic performance. This study investigates the impact of varying concentrations (0-300 µM) of sodium nitroprusside (SNP, a donor of NO) on the functions of the photosynthetic apparatus in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Albanus) and maize (Zea mays L. Kerala) under physiological conditions. Analysis of the chlorophyll fluorescence signals (using PAM and the JIP-test) revealed an increased amount of open PSII reaction centers (qP increased), but it did not affect the number of active reaction centers per PSII antenna chlorophyll (RC/ABS). In addition, the smaller SNP concentrations (up to 150 μM) alleviated the interaction of QA with plastoquine in maize, while at 300 μM it predominates the electron recombination on QAQB-, with the oxidized S2 (or S3) states of oxygen evolving in complex ways in both studied plant species. At the same time, SNP application stimulated the electron flux-reducing end electron acceptors at the PSI acceptor side per reaction center (REo/RC increased up to 26%) and the probability of their reduction (φRo increased up to 20%). An increase in MDA (by about 30%) and H2O2 contents was registered only at the highest SNP concentration (300 µM). At this concentration, SNP differentially affected the amount of P700+ in studied plant species, i.e., it increased (by 10%) in maize but decreased (by 16%) in sorghum. The effects of SNP on the functions of the photosynthetic apparatus were accompanied by an increase in carotenoid content in both studied plants. Additionally, data revealed that SNP-induced changes in the photosynthetic apparatus differed between maize and sorghum, suggesting species specificity for SNP's impact on plants.

Phenolic Compounds of Plants Bidens tripartita (L.) and Bidens pilosa (L.) from Different Locations

Bidens tripartita L. and Bidens pilosa L. are potential sources of biologically active substances with antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other activities. These types of strings are widely used in different countries in phytomedicine. It was established that the studied species are rich in a variety of phenolic compounds, and plants growing in temperate continental (Tatarstan) and tropical (Burundi) climates differ slightly in the content of phenolic compounds, which indicates a genetically determined narrow amplitude of variability in the metabolism of these species. Qualitative analysis of phenolic compounds showed that the studied plant species synthesize certain groups of compounds for adaptation to specific environmental conditions. Kirimiro in the Republic of Burundi and Spassky raion in the Republic of Tatarstan can be considered as promising areas for growing and collecting the plant species under study. Temperature, altitude, rainfall, and soil composition are key factors affecting phenolic content in B. pilosa and B. tripartita plants.

Chemical Composition and Future Perspectives of Essential Oil Obtained from a Wild Population of Stachys germanica L. Distributed in the Balkan Mountains in Bulgaria

Stachys germanica L. (Lamiaceae) is a plant associated with a rich history in the traditional medicine of Iran, Turkey, and Serbia. However, researchers have not fully investigated the pharmacological potential of the herb, and scientific data on this plant species are limited. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) obtained from the aerial parts of S. germanica L. growing wild in Bulgaria and to perform a comparative analysis of the chemical composition of EOs obtained from the same plant species from other geographical regions. For the evaluation of the chemical profile of the isolated EO, gas chromatographic analysis with mass spectrometry was performed. The most abundant terpene class was oxygenated monoterpenes, which accounted for 59.30% of the total EO composition. The bicyclic monoterpene camphor, as a compound of this class, was identified as the major constituent in the EO, accounting for 52.96% of the total oil composition. The chemical profile of Bulgarian EO is quite different compared to that of EOs from other regions. It is the only one to contain more than 50% camphor. In addition, EO contains significant amounts of the diterpene geranyl p-cymene (10.49%). This is the first study describing the chemical composition of EO from Bulgarian Stachys germanica L., and our results reveal some future perspectives for the evaluation of the biological activity of EO from the studied plant species as a new therapeutic agent or natural remedy targeting different medical conditions. The EO has a promising potential to be used as a biopesticide and repellent as well, an environmentally friendly and safer alternative to standard pesticides.

Anticancer Activity of Alangium Salvifolium on Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines MCF-7, MDA-MB-468

Alangium salvifolium is a plant that grows in the alangium family. The study's plant species were chosen.The present study was implemented for revealing the anticancer effect of the leaves of methanolic extract of Alangium salvifolium. Phytochemical Screening of A.Salvifolium leaf extract was done which showed the presence of Alkaloids, Flavonoids,Terpenoids. Human Breast Cancer cell lines MCF-7, MDA-MB-468 cells were grown in RPMI media and the 5-10- methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) Enzyme inhibitory activity was investigated. MTHFR is a one-carbon metabolism enzyme that redirects the pool of folate from DNA synthesis and repair to methylation. The enzyme is vital for cellular homeostasis due to its key functions in the one carbon cycle,which include methionine and protein,DNA and RNA synthesis. Cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-468 treated with Alangium Salvifolium compounds AS1- Deoxytubulosine and AS2 - carboline Hermaline.

A new alkaloid from Pancratium maritimum - Structure elucidation using computer-assisted structure elucidation (CASE) and evaluation of cytotoxicity and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity

Pancratium maritimum L. (or ‘sea daffodil’) is one of the most studied plant species in the Amaryllidaceae family. Recently, due to the advancement of new probabilistic methods and spectroscopic techniques, the potential for phytochemical investigations on isomeric compounds has significantly improved. In this study, application of these techniques in combination with conventional phytochemical analysis led to the isolation and identification of a new alkaloid named 2β,10bα-dihydroxy-9-O-demethylhomolycorine from P. maritimum, together with 17 known ones. Assessment of anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity and cytotoxicity on a Vero E6 cell line for all compounds revealed four compounds with weak anti-SARS-CoV-2 potency at non-cytotoxic concentrations, namely of 9-O-demethylhomolycorine (EC50 = 44 µM), galanthamine (EC50 = 70 µM), 1-O-acetyl-norpluviine (EC50 = 80 µM) and 1-O-acetyl-10-O-methylpseudolycorine (EC50 = 47 µM). On the other hand, cytotoxicity was observed for 2β,10bα-dihydroxy-9-O-demethylhomolycorine (CC50 = 13.28 µM), haemanthamine (CC50 = 0.76 µM), 6α- and 6β-haemanthidine (CC50 = 5.43 µM), 11-hydroxyvittatine (CC50 = 10.57 µM) and pseudolycorine (CC50 = 3.41 µM).

Deciphering shared attributes of plant long non-coding RNAs through a comparative computational approach

Over the past decade, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), which lacks protein-coding potential, has emerged as an essential regulator of the genome. The present study examined 13,599 lncRNAs in Arabidopsis thaliana, 11,565 in Oryza sativa, and 32,397 in Zea mays for their characteristic features and explored the associated genomic and epigenomic features. We found lncRNAs were distributed throughout the chromosomes and the Helitron family of transposable elements (TEs) enriched, while the terminal inverted repeat depleted in lncRNA transcribing regions. Our analyses determined that lncRNA transcribing regions show rare or weak signals for most epigenetic marks except for H3K9me2 and cytosine methylation in all three plant species. LncRNAs showed preferential localization in the nucleus and cytoplasm; however, the distribution ratio in the cytoplasm and nucleus varies among the studied plant species. We identified several conserved endogenous target mimic sites in the lncRNAs among the studied plants. We found 233, 301, and 273 unique miRNAs, potentially targeting the lncRNAs of A. thaliana, O. sativa, and Z. mays, respectively. Our study has revealed that miRNAs, which interact with lncRNAs, target genes that are involved in a diverse array of biological and molecular processes. The miRNA-targeted lncRNAs displayed a strong affinity for several transcription factors, including ERF and BBR-BPC, mutually present in all three plants, advocating their conserved functions. Overall, the present study showed that plant lncRNAs exhibit conserved genomic and epigenomic characteristics and potentially govern the growth and development of plants.

Organically Bound Tritium Activity Level in Plants During Growing Season and Environmental Factor Influences

This paper presents the activity level of total organically bound tritium (OBT) in different plant species, e.g., grains (wheat, corn), trees (apple, fir), and vines, and different organs of the plants (buds, leaves, fruits, straw, and branches) surrounding the Experimental Pilot Plant for Tritium and Deuterium Separation during the growing seasons of 2020 and 2021, The influence of environmental factors over OBT in the studied plant species is established by measurements of the tritium activity level in air and precipitations and their influence over tissue-free water tritium activity.

«Influence of Excess Zinc on the Activity of Components of the Antioxidant System in Brassica juncea L. (Czern.) and Sinapis alba L. Plants»

Under the conditions of a growing experiment, the authors studied the effect of zinc at concentra_x0002_tions of 5 (control), 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg substrate on growth, the intensity of lipid peroxidation (LPO), and the activity of the components of the antioxidant system in Brassica juncea L. (Сzern.) variety Slavyanka and Sinapis alba L. cultivar Belgium plants. Some differences and similarities were found in the AOS response of the studied species to an excess of zinc in the root environment. Thus, there were no changes in the inten_x0002_sity of lipid peroxidation in B. juncea under the influence of zinc in high concentrations, despite the high con_x0002_tent of the metal in the roots and shoots. At the same time, even in the presence of metal at a concentration of 50 mg/kg substrate, an increase in the activity of guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and catalase was observed. In S. alba at high concentrations of zinc in the substrate, the metal content in the shoots was higher than in B. juncea. At the same time, the content of malondialdehyde noticeably increased, despite the increased activity of superoxide dismutase and GPX. In both studied plant species, an increase in the zinc concentra_x0002_tion in the substrate to 50 mg/kg and above led to an increase in the level of proline, while the content of carotenoids decreased. Considering that, in the studied concentrations, the metal had a less strong negative effect on shoot growth in B. juncea compared with S. alba, it was concluded that plants of this species are more resistant to excess zinc in the root environment.