Succulent Research Articles

Application of Glomus deserticola as bio-fertilizer of Gasteraloe in saline growing medium and biocontrol of Fusarium sp.

In this study the possibility of using a biostimulant based on Glomus deserticola to improve the growth and quality of Gasteraloe plants and protection against Fusarium sp. was evaluated. Objectives of the work were: i) use Glomus deserticola to assess whether the use of this Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can increase the growth rate of Gasteraloe plants generally slow in their growth cycle; ii) consider if the use of Glomus deserticola can lead to an increase in plant resistance under saline substrate conditions; iii) evaluate how the use of Glomus deserticola allows greater protection of plants from Fusarium sp. which often affects the roots of these succulents. The four experimental groups in cultivation were: i) group without Glomus, irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilized; ii) group without Glomus, irrigated with salt water (0.50 g of NaCl Kg-1 dry soil) and substrate previously fertilized; iii) group with Glomus deserticola, irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilized; iv) group with Glomus deserticola, irrigated with salt water (0.50 g of NaCl Kg-1 dry soil) and substrate previously fertilized. The test showed a significant increase in agronomic parameters analyzed in plants treated with Glomus deserticola on Gasteraloe cv. Magica and Gasteraloe aristata x platinum. The test also highlighted how the use of mycorrhizae in particular of Glomus spp. can determine a greater resistance against salt stress and greater protection against attacks of Fusarium sp. The application of mycorrhizae in the cultivation of succulent plants guarantees growers the possibility of obtaining a superior quality product, greater resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, an increase in the growth rate and mineral content of the tissues, aspects that are then found in the improvement of the quality of the plants and consequently their commercialization.

Succulent-like core–shell composite: Synthesis of CdS coated with an ultrathin layer of TiO2 and enhanced photocatalytic performance in the degradation of crystal violet and hydrogen production

A core–shell composite CdS-APS@TiO2 (APS = 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane) has been prepared by a temperature-programmed hydrothermal method combined with a simple and convenient chemical bath deposition. The form of the product resembles that of a succulent plant. Electrostatic interaction between the water-stable TiO2 precursor with negative charge and the amino-functionalized petal-like surfaces of CdS is evident. The as-prepared composite adopts the aforementioned succulent morphology with a petal-like structure, surface-coated with TiO2. Moreover, compared with the CdS precursor, the specific surface area of the as-prepared CdS-APS@TiO2 composite is increased, and its optical absorption extends into the visible region. The CdS-APS@TiO2 composite shows high activity in multiple photocatalytic processes, and some activity in photocatalytic hydrogen production (149.2 μmol/g, 8 h). To assess its mode of action, trapping experiments have been carried out by adding various radical scavengers. Possible mechanisms for the photocatalytic degradation of dyes and the photocatalytic splitting of water over the CdS-APS@TiO2 composite are proposed.

Fusarium oxysporum is the pathogen responsible for stem rot of the succulent plant Echeveria \u2018Perle von N\xfcrnberg\u2019 and observation of the infection process

Echeveria ‘Perle von Nürnberg’ is a popular ornamental potted plant. In 2017–2018, stem rot lesions caused by Fusarium spp. were repeatedly observed on Echeveria ‘Perle von Nürnberg’ in Zhangzhou, Fujian Province, China. In this study, samples were collected to isolate the pathogen. After morphological observations, molecular identification, and pathogenicity measurements, the pathogen was confirmed as Fusarium oxysporum. Green fluorescent protein was used to label F. oxysporum to observe the pathogenic process in the host plant. Two to three days after inoculation, the pathogen conidia adhered to the surface of the host stem and germinated into hyphae. The hyphae invaded the host cortex through wounds on the plant or the stem-leaf junction. The host stem produced greyish-brown circular or irregular lesions. Five days after inoculation, the expanded hyphae invaded the vascular cylinder and proliferated. The lesions on the host stem became larger and the neighboring leaves gradually fell off. Seven days after inoculation, the thalli continued to proliferate in the host, the hyphae continued to expand, and the host pith was damaged. The lesions on the stem continued to expand; the stems and branches became withered and lodged, and numerous leaves fell off. Given the rapid infection of F. oxysporum in Echeveria ‘Perle von Nürnberg’ plants, necessary prevention and control measures should be employed prior to infection. In summary, this study demonstrated that the pathogen responsible for stem rot disease in Echeveria ‘Perle von Nürnberg’ is F. oxysporum and further revealed the invasion modes and pathways of F. oxysporum in this plant, providing an empirical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of this stem rot pathogen.

The performance of outdoor plants in living walls under hot and humid conditions

The use of living walls has been increasing around the world due to their several benefits. However, studies of suitable plant species for living walls, particularly in extreme climates, are quite limited. This study examines the performance of 12 plant species used in two living wall systems: a felt-pocket and a planter in a tropical climate in Thailand. All plants were monitored across wet and cold seasons for plant height, visual quality, thermal performance, and carbon sequestration. The findings show variations in plant performances across the 12 plant species. Increases in plant growth were observed for all plants except for herbaceous and succulent plants, which were less tolerant to wet conditions. Smaller plant increments resulted in poorer thermal properties and less potential for carbon sequestration. The planter system had a higher amount of carbon contents than the felt-pocket system due to its higher plant density. Over 6 months, living wall systems sequestered carbon, with averages of 48.2 g C·m−2 for the felt-pocket system and 166.7 g C·m−2 for the planter system.

Diversity of CAM plant photosynthesis (crassulacean acid metabolism): a tribute to Barry Osmond.

This special issue is a tribute to the Australian plant biologist Professor Charles Barry Osmond - Fellow of the Australian Academy of Sciences, the Royal Society of London, and Leopoldina, the German National Academy of Sciences - and his many contributions to our understanding of the biochemistry and physiological ecology of CAM (crassulacean acid metabolism) photosynthesis. This water-conserving photosynthetic pathway is characterised by nocturnal uptake of atmospheric CO2 and typically enables succulent plants to perform and survive in warm semiarid terrestrial and epiphytic habitats. The idea for this issue is to mark the occasion of Barry's 80th birthday in 2019. The foreword highlights some of his outstanding contributions and introduces the research papers of the special issue.

Metapopulation Structure Predicts Population Dynamics in the Cakile maritima-Alternaria brassicicola Host-Pathogen Interaction.

AbstractIn symbiotic interactions, spatiotemporal variation in the distribution or population dynamics of one species represents spatial and temporal heterogeneity of the landscape for the other. Such interdependent demographic dynamics result in situations where the relative importance of biotic and abiotic factors in determining ecological processes is complicated to decipher. Using a detailed survey of three metapopulations of the succulent plant Cakile maritima and the necrotrophic fungus Alternaria brassicicola located along the southeastern Australian coast, we developed a series of statistical analyses-namely, synchrony analysis, patch occupancy dynamics, and a spatially explicit metapopulation model-to understand how habitat quality, weather conditions, dispersal, and spatial structure determine metapopulation dynamics. Climatic conditions are important drivers, likely explaining the high synchrony among populations. Host availability, landscape features facilitating dispersal, and habitat conditions also impact the occurrence and spread of disease. Overall, we show that the collection of extensive data on host and pathogen population dynamics, in combination with spatially explicit epidemiological modeling, makes it possible to accurately predict disease dynamics-even when there is extreme variability in host population dynamics. Finally, we discuss the importance of genetic information for predicting demographic dynamics in this pathosystem.

Edible Australian Succulents

Edible Australian Succulents

Niche specificity influences gene flow across fine-scale habitat mosaics in Succulent Karoo plants.

While the tempo of diversification in biodiversity hotspots has received much attention, the spatial scale of diversification has often been overlooked. Addressing this deficiency requires understanding the drivers of population divergence and the spatial scales at which they operate in species-rich clades and ecosystems. South Africa's Succulent Karoo (SK) hotspot provides an excellent system for such research, being both compact (ca. 110,000km2 ) and home to spectacular in-situ radiations, such as the ruschioid Aizoaceae. Here we use GBS to document genetic structure in two co-occurring ruschioid species, at both coarse (>10km) and fine (<500m) spatial scales. Where Ruschia burtoniae shows strong between-population genetic differentiation and no gene flow, Conophytum calculus shows weak differentiation, with high levels of admixture suggesting recent or ongoing gene flow. Community analysis and transplant experiments reveal that R.burtoniae occupies a narrow, low-pH edaphic niche, and at scales of a few hundred metres, areas of elevated genetic turnover correspond to patches of edaphically unsuitable habitat. In contrast, C.calculus occupies a broader niche and exhibits isolation-by-distance without a habitat effect. We suggest that edaphic specialisation, coupled with highly restricted seed and pollen dispersal in heterogeneous landscapes, has played a major role in driving rapid diversification at small spatial scales in this system. However, the contrasting patterns in our study species show that these factors do not influence all organisms uniformly, being strongly modulated by lineage-specific traits that influence both the spatial scale of gene flow and habitat specificity.

Gigaspora Margarita use to improve flower life in Notocactus and Gymnocalycium plants and roots protection against Fusarium sp.

The paper presents the results of research on cacti such as Gymnocalycium baldianum, Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, Notocactus eugeniae and Notocactus leninghausii, aimed at improving plant growth and defense against the pathogenic fungus Fusarium sp., through the use of Gigaspora margarita inoculated in the growing medium. Objectives of the work were: i) use Gigaspora margarita to assess if the use of arbuscular mycorrhizae can lead to an increase in the growth rate of Notocactus and Gymnocalycium, plants generally slow in their growth cycle; ii) to evaluate if the use of mycorrhizae can lead to an extension of the duration of the flower, to promote pollination of bees; iii) to assess if the use of Gigaspora Margarita allows greater protection of the roots against the fungus Fusarium sp. which often affects the roots of these cacti. The two experimental groups in cultivation were: i) group without arbuscular michorriza, irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilized; group with Gigaspora Margarita, irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilized. All plants treated with Gigaspora margarita showed a significant increase in plant height and circumference, vegetative and root weight of the plants, number of new suckers, number of flowers and fruits and flower life. In addition, there was significant control of the fungus Fusarium sp. in plants in which Gigaspora margarita was inoculated into the substrate, in fact a reduced infection of the roots due to this pathogen was found. The application of mycorrhiza in the cultivation of plants can guarantee the possibility to obtain a higher quality product, a higher resistance to biotic stress, an increase in growth rate, very interesting aspects in the succulent and cactus plants sector.

Taxonomic significance of leaves in family Aizoaceae.

Aizoaceae is one of the most important and widespread succulent plant families in both tropical/subtropical regions and arid zones. In this study, 27 species were collected from various floristic regions in Egypt, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and cactus farms (Kalupia – Egypt). The morphological characteristics of every taxon were recorded. The important morphological features included: the number of leaves per plant; leaf types; leaf position (cauline or radical; the latter indicates leaves arising from, or near, the roots); leaf arrangement; petiolate or sessile leaves; leaf sheath present or absent; leaf shape; leaf margin; leaf tip; presence of leaf ‘window area’; leaf texture; and presence of white or dark miniscule dots (white miniscule dots from calcium carbonate and dark miniscule dots from tannin sacs). The investigated anatomical features were as follows: shape of the transverse section; the type of epidermal cells; the presence of large epidermal cells (bladder cells); presence of papilla and simple hairs; presence of tannin sacs; shapes of calcium oxalate crystals; shape of the xylem vessels; and the presence of Kranz unit (the unit that constitutes the vascular bundle/s, parenchyma sheath, and surrounding mesophyll) or collenchyma sheath. All data were recorded in a data matrix (as either text or numerical data), which was used to construct the identification key and phylogeny tree using a multi-variate statistical package. The results of our analysis may open the possibility of using the morphological and anatomical features of leaves to distinguish between the subfamilies, genera, and species of Aizoaceae.

The Effect of Aloe vera Juice Before Meals on Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) Level of T2DM Patients

Diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the prevalence continues to increase, with thelargest increase occurring in low and middle income countries. The active content of aloe vera functions asantioxidants, flavonoids, regulates body weight and antihyperglycemic, namely acemannan and glucomannan,which are included in the Liliaceae family and are succulent plants, shrubs, xerophytes commonly used totreat wound healing, microbial infections, skin diseases and inflammation. This study aims to analyze theeffect of aloe vera juice before meals on fasting blood sugar levels in T2DM patients with an analyticalstudy. Pre-post Test Control Group Design was used in the research design. The subjects were given aloevera juice before lunch in the treatment group while the control group was given mineral water. Based on theresults of statistical tests, there was a significance (p value = 0.022) in the aloe vera juice group and in thecontrol group p value = 0.094. There is an effect of giving aloe vera juice to T2DM patients who are givenlunch while there is no effect in the control group who is given mineral water. Further research on the effectof pre-meal aloe vera juice on cholesterol is recommended.

Korean ‘Housewives’ and ‘Hipsters’ Are Not Driving a New Illicit Plant Trade: Complicating Consumer Motivations Behind an Emergent Wildlife Trade in Dudleya farinosa

Illegal trade in wild plants receives less scientific and policy attention than illegal trade in wild animals and animal-derived products. One exception to this generalizable trend is the recent emergence of an illegal trade in the California succulent species Dudleya farinosa. US officials and mainstream media reporting on these incidents suggest the final destination of these plants is succulent consumer markets in South Korea and other East Asian countries. It is believed that this illegal trade emerged in response to sudden and widespread consumer demand for succulents due to: 1) the increasing popularity of succulent plants in mainstream South Korean and East Asian cultures writ large; and 2) the preferential valuing of ‘wild’ versus cultivated plants by succulent consumers. Based on findings from content analysis of media reports and in-depth qualitative interviews in California and South Korea, I argue instead for a more nuanced perspective of the drivers of this emergent trade, with the primary motivational desire for these plants coming from a selective and highly skilled community of succulent enthusiasts, rather than mainstream plant consumer groups. In presenting these findings I demonstrate the importance of in-depth, critical qualitative research for exploring the emergence of particular trades in wildlife in order to inform more sustainable and legal trades. I clarify the primary drivers of this new trade in Dudleya farinosa as an illegal but logical response to the economics and temporalities of plant trade. I offer suggestions on how these findings can inform more sustainable solutions to the illicit extraction of wild plants in meeting consumer demand.

Biogenic synthesis of magnesium oxide nanoparticles using Aloe barbadensis leaf latex extract

Biological methods are employed to yield less or non-toxic MgO nanoparticles to utilize them in biological applications. Among various biosynthesis approaches, plant extracts with phytochemicals, especially from leaves, are widely used to fabricate MgO nanoparticles, due to their high availability, rapid synthesis and ability to yield smaller stable nanoparticles. Aloe barbadensis is a succulent xerophytic plant with unique characteristics to withhold water in its leaf named parenchymal gel, which is protected by a chloroplast containing thick latex, to avoid transpiration in high temperature condition of the desert. These latex contains phytochemicals such as flavanol, quercetin, Kaempeferol, myricetin and fisetin, along with other common phytochemicals such as phenols and terpenoids, that are essential for nanoparticle formation. Further, these compounds also possess enhanced biological properties. Thus, the aim of the present study is to obtain crude phytochemical extracts from Aloe barbadensis latex and utilize them as reducing and stabilizing agent for the smaller MgO nanoparticle formation. In addition, the parameters which affect the formation of nanoparticles are identified and optimized to yield smaller MgO nanoparticles with phytochemicals as surface functional groups, to be beneficial in biomedical applications.

Study on the Establishment of a Rapid Propagation System for Succulent Plant Haworthia heidelbergensis

This study took the inflorescence and leaves of the succulent plant Haworthia heidelbergensis as explants, and explored the effects of different mediums with different hormone ratios on the rapid propagation of Haworthia heidelbergensis. The results showed that the optimal medium component for inflorescence callus induction was MS (Murashige and Skoog)+2.0 mg/L 6-BA+1.0 mg/L 2,4-D+0.2 mg/L NAA, the callus induction rate was 90%; the optimal medium component for leaf callus induction was MS+0.5 mg/L 6-BA+2.0 mg/L KT+0.3 mg/L NAA; the optimal medium for callus differentiation was MS+1.0 mg/L 6-BA+2.0 mg/L KT+0.3 mg/L NAA, the clump bud differentiation rate was 50%; the optimal medium for clump bud proliferation was MS+0.5 mg/L 6-BA+1.0 mg/L KT+0.05 mg/L NAA, the proliferation rate was 600%; the best medium for rooting was 1/2 MS+ 0.2 mg/L NAA+0.3 g/L AC. In conclusion, this study selected the explants and culture mediums, established an aseptic propagation system and provided a reference for the in vitro culture and rapid propagation of Haworthia heidelbergensis.

Development of the female gametophyte of Agave colimana, subgenus Littaea (Asparagaceae)1

Agave colimana, subgenus Littaea (Asparagaceae) is a wild plant that belongs to the Asparagaceae family, and in this species, the formation of its female reproductive system is unknown, probably because it has no commercial use. However, A. colimana recently has been considered as a candidate for marketing as a succulent plant because of its floral and growth architecture. Knowledge about aspects of the formation of the embryo sac is useful for understanding its sexual reproduction, which is important for propagation by seed and breeding purposes. Megasporogenesis and megagametogenesis were studied using Feulgen staining under confocal microscopy. Megasporogenesis resulted in the formation of a linear tetrad with the functional megaspore attached to the chalazal end. Subsequently, megagametogenesis from the functional megaspore was followed by three mitotic divisions generating an embryo sac with seven cells: two synergid cells, one egg cell, three antipodal cells, and one central cell with a 2n nucleus. The embryo sac of Agave colimana was found to be monosporic of the Polygonum-type considered as the typical type in the majority of angiosperm plants. Also, abnormal embryo sacs were observed, following possible errors during meiosis.

Ethnopharmacology, Therapeutic Properties and Nutritional Potentials of Carpobrotus edulis: A Comprehensive Review

Carpobrotus edulis, formerly known as Mesembryanthemum edule L, belongs to the Aizoaceae family of plants. It is a facultative halophytic invasive medicinal and edible succulent plant that is native to South Africa and is distributed worldwide. Hitherto, this plant appears to be mainly known for its ornamental use in decorations, soil stabilization, and erosion control, and not for its many potential medicinal and nutritional benefits, thus suggesting its underutilization. This review presents cogent and comprehensive information on the distribution, ethnomedicinal use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and nutritional value of Carpobrotus edulis and provides the rationale for further pharmacognostic research that will validate its many folkloric medicinal and nutraceutical claims, and promote its standardization into a commercially available product. The reported traditional use of this plant for the treatment of sinusitis, diarrhoea, tuberculosis, infantile eczema, fungal and bacterial infections, oral and vaginal thrush, high blood pressure, diabetes, wound infections, spider and tick bites, sore throat as well as mouth infections are well documented. Its therapeutic activities such as anti-proliferative, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxicity, and nutritional value have also been reported to be attributable to the array of phytoconstituents present in the plant. These have promoted renewed research interests into this valuable medicinal plant with a view to repositioning and expanding its uses from the current predominantly ornamental and environmental management role to include phytotherapeutical applications through scientific validation studies that will improve its value for the drug discovery process as well as its contribution to food security.

Cuyama River Cacti and Succulents

Cuyama River Cacti and Succulents

Impact of Opuntia species plant bio-battery in a semi-arid environment: Demonstration of their applications

The plant microbial fuel cell (P-MFC) is a novel bioelectrochemical device that is commonly used in highly water-saturated ecosystems to produce sustainable energy. However, the use of this system in arid or semi-arid areas has been less well explored to date. This would involve, the use of plants such as prickly pear, which adapts to these adverse conditions and could be an alternative to expand the application of P-MFC. The objective of this research is to use four Opuntia species (succulent plants) for the generation of sustainable electricity via plant-based biobattery design, under open environment and unsaturated water conditions. A Novel vertically integrated plug-in ceramic stick based P-MFCs was constructed, this could reduce the usage of the top-soil surface and aid the possible potential of scale-up design. For a long operating time (30 days), the results showed an average power density of 103.6 mW m−3 with reactors using Opuntia albicarpa, followed by Opuntia ficus-indica (10.63 mW m−3) > Opuntia robusta (7.46 mW m−3) > Opuntia joconostle (0.46 mW m−3), with 1000 Ohms resistance. Higher total electricity production of 285.12 J was achieved in Opuntia albicarpa over four weeks. In addition, the energy generation of 3.66 Wh m−2 was achieved in this study. Notably, Opuntia ficus-indica and Opuntia albicarpa species showed a significant height in the first two months (P-value < 0.05). This finding opened the avenue for the electricity generation impact on plant growth. The P-MFC also shows the potential to be used in a semi-arid area.

Phenotype and ploidy evaluation of colchicine-induced Echeveria ‘Peerless’

The study was conducted to evaluate the phenotype and ploidy level of colchicine-induced Echeveria ‘Peerless’. Leaf cuttings of Echeveria ‘Peerless’ were treated with different concentrations of colchicine (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1.0%) for different durations (3, 6, 9, and 12 h). The survival and mutation rates following various treatments were determined, and the phenotypic characteristics were evaluated 12 months after the treatment. Putative succulent plants were subjected to stomatal evaluation and flow cytometry to confirm the ploidy level. Colchicine treatment produced more compact mutant plants with thicker and shorter leaves with a redder tone. In addition, colchicine-induced mutant plants showed obviously broader leaf apices than control plants. Treatment with 0.2–0.6% colchicine for 3–12 h achieved a survival rate of over 50% while producing the required effects. Moreover, treatment with 0.2–0.6% colchicine for 3–12 h or with 0.8% colchicine for 3–9 h successfully produced diploid–tetraploid mixoploids, which explains the altered phenotype, increased stomatal size, and decreased stomatal density of the succulents. This study established an effective method to induce polyploidy in Echeveria ‘Peerless’, which can be used to create novel genetic sources for developing and breeding new cultivars.

A short review on pharmacological activity of Cissus quadrangularis.

Cissus quadrangularis L. is a succulent plant of family Vitaceae usually found in tropical and subtropical xeric wood. It is a beefy desert plant like liana generally utilized as typical nourishment in India. It finds application in medicine. Experts have made efforts to test the plant's suitability using rational analysis. Some of the pharmacological use of the plant are linked to cell reinforcement, free radical search, hostile to microbials, bone regeneration, ulceration, pain relief, mitigation and diuretics. Hence, we document the available pharmacological data on Cissus quadrangularis L in the literature for further use.