Sweet Pea Research Articles

Clarice and the sweet pea of her sexual desires

In the aftermath of Iran's Islamic revolution, the representation and expression of women's sexuality have undergone stringent official censorship. Zoya Pirzad stands out among Iranian female authors for subtly challenging the Islamic regime's censorship of Iranian women's bodies and sexuality in her writings. In Things We Left Unsaid (2012), while articulating the sexual desires of her protagonist, Pirzad adeptly employed indirect writing techniques to safeguard her work from censorship. This article delves into the author's nuanced literary techniques, including similes, metaphors, idioms, symbols, allusions, haptic perception, and the portrayal of bodily effects, as means to subvert Iran's official censorship. Pirzad employs these literary tactics to discreetly depict her protagonist's illicit sexual relationship, interwoven with the author's critique of the government's repressive policies on women's rights. To understand the intricate dance between the said and unsaid in Pirzad's work, this article draws upon the insights of affect theory.

Grow to learn: a metacognitive approach to early childhood teachers’ science professional development

ABSTRACT Background Science is an overlooked subject domain in early childhood education in the U.S. particularly in rural areas. The current state of early science education could be a result of insufficient teacher training and professional development (PD). Thus, we created an experimental PD program based on research about metacognition – Grow to Learn (GTL). GTL promotes preschool and kindergarten teachers’ and children’s holistic understanding of plant science concepts and the scientific discovery process through an immersive, hands-on sweet pea growing project. Purpose This study aims to determine the effect of GTL. Specifically, we examined the effect of GTL on preschool and kindergarten teachers’ science teaching efficacy and metacognitive awareness, and children’s cognitive skills and learning motivation. Design and method A mixed methods quasi-experimental design was used to determine the effect of GTL. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected before and after the PD program implementation using validated measurements. Sample A total of 11 preschool and kindergarten teachers and 76 children (Mage = 4.13 years) predominately from rural areas in North Idaho, U.S. completed the study. Results Results from multilevel repeated measures ANCOVA showed an increase in teachers’ procedural knowledge and children’s cognitive skills and learning motivation upon completing the program. A thematic analysis method was used to analyse qualitative data. Qualitative data analysis revealed evidence of children’s knowledge and learning skills gain, and teachers’ possible needs for classroom management training. Conclusions This study demonstrates the potential of conceptualizing early science education in the metacognition framework. Our results suggest that early childhood science teaching and learning could be improved by integrating metacognitive teaching and learning strategies in a PD program and by using immersive, hands-on activities as the broader inquiry learning context.

Application of Perennial Sweet Pea in Soil and Water Conservation

To address the issue of soil erosion and limited economically valuable vegetation resources, perennial sweet peas were introduced to Hebei Province, China, and showed favorable biological attributes. Nevertheless, its specific efficacy within soil and water conservation endeavors requires further examination. This study selected four trial sites within Hebei Province to assess four-year-old perennial sweet peas’ soil and water conservation functionality. The findings underscored that cultivating perennial sweet pea plots on 9° disturbed slopes notably outperformed bare ground (CK) in their rainwater absorption capacity. Specifically, in the 0–20 cm soil layer, moisture increased from 10.51% to 17.39%, in the 20–40 cm layer from 10.63% to 17.25%, and in the 40–60 cm layer from 10.09% to 16.04%. The dense canopy formed by perennial sweet peas effectively intercepted 25–32% of precipitation. Fallen organic matter also demonstrated commendable water absorption features. During severe rain, the perennial sweet pea showcased a 90.4% runoff reduction and a notable sediment interception. Their deep and well-developed root system enhanced soil structure and infiltration. The outcomes of this study highlight the perennial sweet peas’ potential in soil erosion mitigation, rainwater retention, and soil improvement, which carries substantial implications for sustainable land management and ecosystem restoration initiatives. Furthermore, the successful introduction of perennial sweet peas could serve as a model for analogous ecological interventions in regions confronting similar challenges, offering holistic solutions to soil and water conservation in environmentally sensitive areas.

Analysis of Physiological and Biochemical Parameters of Wheat, Maize and Sweet Pea Under Copper Stress

Analysis of Physiological and Biochemical Parameters of Wheat, Maize and Sweet Pea Under Copper Stress

Petal water stress precedes increase of ethylene production in senescence of STS-treated sweet pea

Petal water stress precedes increase of ethylene production in senescence of STS-treated sweet pea

Formulasi dan Evaluasi Emulgel Ekstrak Rimpang Jeringau (Acorus calamus L.) sebagai anti-acne

Dermatology studies in Indonesia show an increase in acne vulgaris incidents with the highest prevalence in adolescents. Acne topical therapy generally contains retinoids. However, this therapeutic option has drawbacks, namely burning sensation, dry skin, erythema, and itching of the skin. Along with people's interest in using natural products, alternative therapies with natural products are increasingly having economic value. One of the natural ingredients that have the potential to be anti-acne is Acorus calamus L. Sweet pea (Acorus calamus L.) is a plant whose leaves and rhizomes are used empirically by the Dayak tribe in Borneo to treat skin diseases. Acorus calamus rhizome ethanol extract can inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria that predominate in acne inflammation. Acorus calamus rhizome extract in this study was formulated in the form of an emulgel because it effectively delivers hydrophobic active substances. Emulgel is also not greasy but moisturizes the skin. The research aimed to produce an anti-acne emulgel formulation from Acorus calamus extract as a natural raw material that meets the physical stability requirements. The research was conducted at the Phytochemical Laboratory, Pharmaceutical Technology Laboratory, and Microbiology Laboratory of Samarinda School of Health Sciences. The research stages are the preparation of plant extract, phytochemical analysis, preparation of emulgel, evaluation of emulgel, and antibacterial activity assay. The Emulgel formulation was carried out with variations in the concentration of the gelling agent, namely Carbomer 940 0.5% (Formula A), 0.75% (Formula B0, and 1% (Formula C). The results of the physical evaluation showed all formulas met the requirements of the organoleptic test, homogeneity test, pH test, spreadability test, and viscosity test. All formulas have non-Newtonian flow types with plastic properties. The antibacterial test results show that all formulas can inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes bacteria.

Accumulation and Chemical Forms of Cadmium in Tissues of Different Vegetable Crops

Large areas of arable lands in China have been contaminated by heavy metals, in which cadmium (Cd) contamination was the most prevalent. Cd accumulation in main food crops and leafy vegetables grown in Cd-contaminated fields has aroused considerable attention in recent years. The present study investigated the Cd pollution of farmland soils and vegetables in Qujing city of Yunnan Province, China. By comparing the Cd uptake capacities of different crops, this study aimed to provide guidance for agricultural production in Cd-contaminated farmland, and clarify the influence of Cd bioavailability in soil and chemical forms of Cd in plant roots on its migration. Results showed that soil Cd concentration was up to 37 mg kg−1, which was 61-fold higher than the soil environmental quality standard in China. Concentration of Cd in 73% of the investigated vegetable samples, with the mean value of 5.43 mg Cd kg−1 (dry weight basis), exceeded the food safety standard of China. Leafy vegetables had the highest bioaccumulation factors (BF) and transfer factors (TF), with the mean values of 0.53 and 0.41, respectively. Water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica Forsk.), cole (Brassica campestris L.), and fennel (Foeniculum dulce Mill.) had the highest Cd TFs, with averages of 0.67, 0.66, and 0.64, respectively. On the contrary, garlic (Allium sativum L.), onions (Allium fistulosum L.), and pea (Lathyrus odoratus L.) had the lowest Cd TFs, with averages of 0.04, 0.03, and 0.04, respectively. The main chemical fraction of Cd in garlic root was insoluble phosphate (35–48%), whereas in water spinach root, it was pectate, protein binding or sorbed fraction (50–64%), resulting in a higher TF value of water spinach than garlic. These results indicate that there were significant differences in Cd uptake and accumulation between vegetables, and the Cd accumulation in leafy vegetable was significantly higher than that in alliums. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the uptake and accumulation of Cd in crop edible parts by the selection of vegetable species with low Cd accumulation capacity. The chemical fractions of Cd in crop roots, especially the proportions of more mobile fractions, might be an important reason for the root-to-shoot Cd transport and Cd accumulation in the aerial portions.

Four Elegies

Four Elegies

Analysis of Physiological and Biochemical Parameters of Wheat, Maize and Sweet Pea Under Copper Stress

Analysis of Physiological and Biochemical Parameters of Wheat, Maize and Sweet Pea Under Copper Stress

Light-yellow Coloration of Sweet Pea (<i>Lathyrus odoratus</i> L.) Flowers is Caused by Carotenoid and Regulated by a Single Recessive Gene

Light-yellow Coloration of Sweet Pea (<i>Lathyrus odoratus</i> L.) Flowers is Caused by Carotenoid and Regulated by a Single Recessive Gene

Effect of application of growth elicitors and in silico analysis of regulatory proteins in sweet pea (Pisum sativum L.) against drought stress

Effect of application of growth elicitors and in silico analysis of regulatory proteins in sweet pea (Pisum sativum L.) against drought stress

Seed Priming with Silicon as a Potential to Increase Salt Stress Tolerance in Lathyrus odoratus.

Water shortage is a major problem limiting the expansion of green areas and landscapes. Using seawater as an alternative source of potable water is not a novel idea, but the issue of salt stress needs to be resolved. Salinity has a negative impact on growth and the aesthetic value of ornamental plants. In order to overcome these challenges, Lathyrus odoratus seeds were hydro-primed and halo-primed with silicon (Si) and silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs), and exposed to seawater levels. Seawater markedly reduced seed germination and growth of Lathyrus seedlings, but halo-priming was shown to significantly alleviate its negative effects. Broadly, SiNPs increased the germination percentage, reduced photosynthetic pigments and carbohydrates decrease, and enhanced water relations, despite having a negative effect on germination speed. Halo-priming significantly increased the proline content and the activities of certain enzymatic (SOD, APX and CAT) and nonenzymatic (phenolic and flavonoids) compounds, that positively influenced oxidative stress (lower MDA and H2O2 accumulation), resulting in seedlings with more salt stress tolerance. Halo-priming with Si or SiNPs enhanced the Si and K+ contents, and K+/Na+ ratio, associated with a reduction in Na+ accumulation. Generally, halo-priming with Si or SiNPs increased Lathyrus seedlings salt stress tolerance, which was confirmed using seawater treatments via improving germination percentage, seedlings growth and activation of the antioxidant machinery, which detoxifies reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Ecological Studies on the Main Piercing-Sucking Insect Pests that Infesting Sweet Pea Plants in Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt

Field experiments were conducted to estimate population density of six Hemiptereous insect species thatt attacking sweet pea plants during two winter seasons of 2018 and 2019 at Dekernce region, Dakhlia Governorate. As well, to determine the impact of temperature and relative humidity on their populations. The results showed that, Myzus persica (Zeller) had two peaks during winter plantation that was recorded during 26th of November of both seasons. Data revealed that Aphis carccivora (Koch) and Acrythosiphn pisum (Koch) had only one peak for each during each season of plantation. Counts showed that Empoasca descipiens had one peak in the winter plantation during 17th of March. Three peaks during winter seasons plantations were recorded for Empoasca decedens. On the other hand, Nezara viridula had two population peaks in each of the two sweet pea seasons. The correlation between population density of the recorded insects and each of temperature or relative humidity had various degrees of significance that differed from positive to negative and from non-significant to highly significant.

Comparison of methodologies to determine the apparent ileal amino acid digestibility of maize, wheat, lupins, and peas for broiler chickens

The influence of method (direct vs difference method) used to determine the apparent ileal digestibility coefficient (AIDC) of amino acids in two cereals (maize and wheat) and two grain legumes (Australian sweet lupins and peas) was investigated. For the direct method, the test ingredients were incorporated as the sole source of protein in assay diets. The assay diets used in the difference method were formulated by substituting the cereals and legumes for 50 and 25% (w/w), respectively, of a maize-soy basal diet. Each diet contained 3 g/kg titanium dioxide as an indigestible marker and were offered ad libitum to four replicate cages of broilers (four birds/cage) from d 28 to d 35 post-hatching. On d 35, digesta were collected from the terminal ileum and the AIDC of amino acids were calculated using marker ratios in the diet and digesta. Except for histidine, methionine, cysteine and tyrosine, the main effect of methods was found to be significant (P<0.05 to 0.001) for the AIDC of all amino acids. The main effect of the ingredients was significant (P<0.05 to 0.001) for all amino acids, except for histidine, aspartic acid and serine. Interactions (P<0.05) between ingredients and method were observed only for leucine, lysine, proline and serine. The AIDC of amino acids, determined by the difference method, was found to be distinctly higher than those determined by the direct method. This suggested that the direct method underestimated amino acid digestibility in low and medium protein ingredients.

Folk classification and traditional uses of Cyperus esculentus, a neglected and underutilized species in Benin

Abstract. Adjahossou VN, Gbemavo DSJC, Abidja S, Laly J, Gbaguidi AA, Anagonou AD. 2021. Folk classification and traditional uses of Cyperus esculentus, a neglected and underutilized species in Benin. Biodiversitas 22: 2972-2979. The sweet pea or tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L.) has very high potential to be developed but is considered a neglected and underutilized plant in Benin. The current study aims to investigate the indigenous knowledge related to local diversity, production and uses of various landrace types of tigernut grown in its production areas in Benin. Using Participatory Research Appraisal (PRA) method, we surveyed 113 tigernut farmers in different regions of production in Atacora Department, Benin. Univariate statistics were performed to describe and compare tigernut farmers' responses on botanical and agronomic criteria. We found that the tigernut farmers in the studied area distinguished three landraces of C. esculentus. Two landrace types produced yellow-skinned tubers and the other produced black-skinned tubers. Economic value, agro-morphological traits and organoleptic quality were the criteria considered by the farmers when choosing the type of landrace to cultivate. According to the farmers, the attacks of the tubers by earthworms and termites constituted the main constraints of the production of tigernut. Local people used the species mainly for food, while small proportion was for medicine (e.g., for aphrodisiac) and soil fertilization purposes. This study implies that C. esculentus in Benin deserves better attention to be conserved and developed.

Color-Induced Aroma Illusion: Color Cues Can Modulate Consumer Perception, Acceptance, and Emotional Responses toward Cooked Rice.

Since rice is often cooked in many countries with different types of ingredients or seasonings, the surface colors of traditional rice meal items vary across cultural backgrounds. This study aimed to determine whether consumer perception, acceptance, willingness to eat, and emotional responses toward cooked rice samples could differ with their surface color cues. Milled rice was cooked with one of three food colorants: yellow, orange, and green, with milled (white) and un-milled (brown) rice cooked without colorants used as respective test and filler samples. Using a check-all-that-apply method, 98 rice consumers checked all aroma attributes they perceived by sniffing each of the four cooked-rice samples (white, yellow, orange, and green). They also rated the four samples with respect to attribute intensity, liking, emotional responses, and willingness to eat. The results showed that participants associated colored rice with specific ingredient-related aroma attributes (e.g., green color elicited sweet peas or spinach aromas). Color cues also affected ratings of attribute intensity, liking, willingness to eat, and emotional responses to cooked rice samples. In conclusion, this study provides empirical evidence that in the context of cooked rice consumption, color cues can elicit associated aromas and modulate consumer perception, acceptance, and evoked emotions to cooked rice.

Ethnobotanical study of cultivated yellow nutsedge, (Cyperus esculentus L.) in Burkina Faso

The yellow nutsedge, Cyperus esculentus L. is an herbaceous species whose tubers are the edible parts. The tubers are very popular with children, and can be eaten raw, fried or after processing into a drink (Horchata). However, it does not exist in Burkina, a centralized collection and studies on the genetic variability, the socio-cultural and economic aspects of this species. In order to identify the morphotypes and to welcome the peasant knowledge on the management of the, yellow nutsedge, a prospection followed by collection of tubers were carried out in the main areas of production of this crop. A total of 22 villages in eight districts were visited and 108 accessions of tubers were collected. It emerges from this study that the cultivation is mainly practiced by women (97% of farmers). The cultivated yellow nutsedge is adapted to drought and to several types of soil. In addition, farmers classify the tubers according to their shape and size. Thus, the spherical tubers are qualified as "small tubers the non-spherical tubers as" large tubers. The number of tubers produced per foot varies from 20 to 60. Farmers use phenotypic characters, sexual dimorphism and ethnicity to name accessions for sweet peas. Vernacular names and methods of producing yellow nutsedge vary by region and ethnicity. According to the respondents, 84.34% think that the nut is of Burkinabé origin, 9.26% Ghanaian, 1.85% from Mali and 5.35% have no answers. There is great diversity in local knowledge and accessions collected in Burkina.Keywords: Ethnobotany, tubers, accessions, morphotypes.

Ribosomal DNA localization on Lathyrus species chromosomes by FISH

BackgroundFluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) played an essential role to locate the ribosomal RNA genes on the chromosomes that offered a new tool to study the chromosome structure and evolution in plant. The 45S and 5S rRNA genes are independent and localized at one or more loci per the chromosome complement, their positions along chromosomes offer useful markers for chromosome discriminations. In the current study FISH has been performed to locate 45S and 5S rRNA genes on the chromosomes of nine Lathyrus species belong to five different sections, all have chromosome number 2n=14, Lathyrus gorgoni Parl, Lathyrus hirsutus L., Lathyrus amphicarpos L., Lathyrus odoratus L., Lathyrus sphaericus Retz, Lathyrus incospicuus L, Lathyrus paranensis Burkart, Lathyrus nissolia L., and Lathyrus articulates L. ResultsThe revealed loci of 45S and 5S rDNA by FISH on metaphase chromosomes of the examined species were as follow: all of the studied species have one 45S rDNA locus and one 5S rDNA locus except L. odoratus L., L. amphicarpos L. and L. sphaericus Retz L. have two loci of 5S rDNA. Three out of the nine examined species have the loci of 45S and 5S rRNA genes on the opposite arms of the same chromosome (L. nissolia L., L. amphicarpos L., and L. incospicuus L.), while L. hirsutus L. has both loci on the same chromosome arm. The other five species showed the loci of the two types of rDNA on different chromosomes. ConclusionThe detected 5S and 45S rDNA loci in Lathyrus could be used as chromosomal markers to discriminate the chromosome pairs of the examined species. FISH could discriminate only one chromosome pair out of the seven pairs in three species, in L. hirsutus L., L. nissolia L. and L. incospicuus L., and two chromosome pairs in five species, in L. paranensis Burkart, L. odoratus L., L. amphicarpos L., L. gorgoni Parl. and L. articulatus L., while it could discriminate three chromosome pairs in L. sphaericus Retz. these results could contribute into the physical genome mapping of Lathyrus species and the evolution of rDNA patterns by FISH in the coming studies in future.

Functional Characterization of Terpene Synthases Accounting for the Volatilized-Terpene Heterogeneity in Lathyrus odoratus Cultivar Flowers.

Lathyrus odoratus (sweet pea) is an ornamental plant with exceptional floral scent, previously used as an experimental organism in the early development of Mendelian genetics. However, its terpene synthases (TPSs), which act as metabolic gatekeepers in the biosynthesis of volatile terpenoids, remain to be characterized. Auto-Headspace Solid-phase Microextraction/Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of floral volatile terpene constituents from seven sweet pea cultivars identified α-bergamotene, linalool, (-)-α-cubebene, geraniol, β-caryophyllene and β-sesquiphellandrene as the dominant compounds. RNA sequencing was performed to profile the transcriptome of L. odoratus flowers. Bioinformatic analysis identified eight TPS genes (acronymed as LoTPS) that were successfully cloned, heterologously expressed and functionally analyzed. LoTPS4 and LoTPS7, belonging to the TPS-b clade, biochemically catalyzed the formation of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. LoTPS3 and LoTPS8, placed in the TPS-a clade, also generated monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, while LoTPS12 belonging to the TPS-g clade showed linalool/nerolidol synthase activity. Notably, biochemical assays of the recombinant LoTPS proteins revealed their catalytic promiscuity, and the enzymatic products were basically consistent with major volatile compounds released from sweet pea flowers. The data from our study lay the foundation for the chemical ecology, molecular genetics and biotechnological improvement of sweet pea and other legumes (Fabaceae).

Pollen Grains Morphology of Angiosperms

Pollen morphology of fourteen species of angiosperms from Kathmandu valley was investigated using aceto-carmine and palynological characters such as pollen size, shape, aperture numbers and exine sculpture were evaluated. The results indicate that various types of pollen grains are in angiosperms. In this investigation Pollen grains of Linum usitatissimum L. from the family Linaceae, Lathyrus odoratus L. from Fabaceae, Magnolia grandiflora L. from Magnoliaceae, Malva alcea L. and Malva sida L. from Malvaceae, Murraya koenigii Spreng from Rutaceae, Nerium oleander L. from Apocynaceae studied. Likewise, Ocimum tenuiflorum L., Salvia coccinea Buchz ex Etl. Salvia splendens Sellow ex J.A. Schultes from Lamiaceae, Oenothera rosea L. from Onagraceae, Prunus persica (L.) Batsch. from Rosaceae, Solanum nigrum L. from Solanaceae and Zinnia elegans L. from Asteraceae were studied in this investigation. Shape of the pollen grains found to be spheroidal, sub-spheroidal, elongate, oval, circular, ellipsoidal and triangular type. Ornamentation of exine wall found to be echinate, smooth, coarse, wrinkle and tected type. Aperture of the pollen grains found to be triporate to periporate. Sizes of the pollen grains encountered in this study were large, medium and small. The high diversity of exine ornamentation type in pollen grains of angiosperms has been associated to diversity in pollination systems. Echinate pollen grains train the bees to restrict to nectar collection and help the flowers to save more pollen grains for pollination. Smooth walled pollen grains are linked with wind or water pollination.
 Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 8(2): 205-210