Underground Organs Research Articles

Isolation, identification and quantification anthracene derivatives in the underground organs of Rumex crispus

Isolation, identification and quantification anthracene derivatives in the underground organs of Rumex crispus

Antioxidant and anti-glycation activities of Mandevilla velutina extract and effect on parasitemia levels in Trypanosoma cruzi experimental infection: in vivo, in vitro and in silico approaches

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMandevilla velutina (Mart. Ex Stadelm.) Woodson, known in Brazil as "infalível" and "jalapa", is a medicinal plant native from the Cerrado region (Brazilian Savannah). The underground organ (xylopodium) of this species is prepared as ethanolic extract or infusion and it is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat snake venom. Although, locals and indigenous populations from Cerrado have used M. velutina for the treatment of infection by Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas’ disease). Aim of the studyThis study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and anti-glycation activities of the crude hydroethanolic extract of M. velutina xylopodium. Besides, it aimed to evaluate its effect on parasitemia levels in in vivo T. cruzi experimental infection. In addition, this study aimed to determine possible interactions between the main compound of the extract and molecular targets associated with survival and virulence of T. cruzi in in silico approaches. Materials and MethodsDetermination of total polyphenols, flavonoids and steroidal aglycones content were performed. In addition, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was carried out to identify main compounds of the extract. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH radical scavenging, ferric ion reducing power (FRAP), Thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) methods. Anti-glycation activity was demonstrated through relative mobility in electrophoresis (RME), determination of free amino groups and inhibition of AGEs formation. Determination of the action of extract in parasitemia levels was performed by T. cruzi experimental infection of mice and nitrite levels were measured in the serum of animals evaluated in this study. Molecular docking analyses of the main compound (Velutinol A) with DNA and molecular targets associated with survival and virulence of T. cruzi. ResultsPhytoconstituents evaluation exhibited the presence polyphenols, flavonoids and steroidal aglycone, and HPLC identified the major presence of Velutinol A. Antioxidant and anti-glycation evaluations showed that the extract present significant activity in all methods evaluated. In addition, extract reduced the number of trypomastigotes and increased the survival of treated animals. The treatment using extract showed an interference in the synthesis of physiological nitric oxide as an immune response to infection. In silico assays demonstrated interaction between Velutinol A and DNA and molecular targets of T. cruzi. ConclusionsThe results showed that the hydroethanolic extract of M. velutina xylopodium contains bioactive compounds including polyphenols, flavonoids and steroidal aglycones (mainly Velutinol A) of which may be responsible for the antioxidant, anti-glycation and anti-parasitic activity against T. cruzi. Trypanocidal activity of M. velutina compounds may be linked to their influence on NO synthesis during infection and/or their capacity to bind and inhibit molecules associated to virulence and survival of T. cruzi.

Roles of Histone Acetylation and Deacetylation in Root Development

Roots are usually underground plant organs, responsible for anchoring to the soil, absorbing water and nutrients, and interacting with the rhizosphere. During root development, roots respond to a variety of environmental signals, contributing to plant survival. Histone post-translational modifications play essential roles in gene expression regulation, contributing to plant responses to environmental cues. Histone acetylation is one of the most studied post-translational modifications, regulating numerous genes involved in various biological processes, including development and stress responses. Although the effect of histone acetylation on plant responses to biotic and abiotic stimuli has been extensively reviewed, no recent reviews exist focusing on root development regulation by histone acetylation. Therefore, this review brings together all the knowledge about the impact of histone acetylation on root development in several plant species, mainly focusing on Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we summarize the role of histone acetylation and deacetylation in numerous aspects of root development, such as stem cell niche maintenance, cell division, expansion and differentiation, and developmental zone determination. We also emphasize the gaps in current knowledge and propose new perspectives for research toward deeply understanding the role of histone acetylation in root development.

Phytomass carbon pools of Koivulambisuo mire system (South Karelia)

Koivulambisuo mire system (61,80º N, 33,56º E, middle taiga subzone) has a complex structure of vegetation cover, includes south karelian variant of aapa mires, raised bogs, transitional herb-sphagnum fens and forested sites of different trophic levels.The study was carried out within the framework of the National system for monitoring carbon pools and greenhouse gas fluxes in Russia. Phytomass and carbon pools were determined for three types of mire sites: aapa, ridge-hollow sphagnum bog and oligotrophic pine-dwarf shrub-cotton grass-sphagnum. On each type of mire sites, 3 sample plots 50x50 m in size were set up, with 8–12 sampling points on each. Tree stand estimated by total count and basic measurements of all standing trees on plots, production of needles and branches by model tree method. The above-ground vascular plants phytomass material was collected by the cutting method, mosses and underground phytomass by monoliths method, the production of sphagnum mosses by annual increment method. Aapa mire extremely poorly afforested, to the least extent among the studied sites, due to strong watering and poor development of strings. The total carbon pool in a forest stand is only 0.01 tC/ha. The carbon pool in the above-ground phytomass of aapa complexes is also minimal – 2.56 tC/ha. It is mainly provided by sphagnum mosses, while herbs and shrubs contain half as much carbon in total. Living underground phytomass deposits 21.56 tC/ha (89% of the total phytomass). Such a high carbon sequestration by living underground plant organs is a feature of aapa sites and is associated with favorable regime of water movement. Some overestimation is also possible due to the difficulty of separating living and dead tightly intertwined roots. The mortmass of a 40 cm surface layer of peat soil contains 38.71 tC/ha, most of it in the sphagnum remains. The annual ground cover production of aapa is minimal: 1.55 tC/ha, which is caused by the development of extensive flarks with sparse vegetation cover. Unlike other sites, the role of vascular plants is higher here (0.68 tC/ha) due to the predominance of herbaceous plants in cover. The afforestation degree of ridge-hollow bogs varies; the living forest stand of the most afforested sites is contains 0.31 tC/ha, while in the other two, more watered sites, the pool is less than 0.02 tC/ha. The average carbon stock in a tree stand is 0.11 tC/ha. The carbon pool in the ground cover of the ridge-hollow bogs is maximum among the studied mire sites (4.25 tC/ha), the main share in it is sphagnum mosses (3.52 tC/ha), while grasses and shrubs 0.73 tC/ha. Living underground phytomass deposits 8.62 tC/ha (66% of the total phytomass).The mortmass of a 40 cm surface layer of peat soil contains, on average, 61.77 tC/ha, most of it in the sphagnum remains. In cotton grass-sphagnum hollows the stock reaches 80.09 tC/ha due to dense cotton grass tussocks. The above-ground vascular plants annual production is 0.48 tC/ha (the minimum among the studied mire site types) and 1.56 tC/ha by mosses. Pine-dwarf shrub-cotton grass-sphagnum plots have the most developed forest stands among the studied mire sites. The average tree height here is 1-2 m, individual trees reach a 5-6 m. The carbon pool in the living tree stand is 2.92 tC/ha, in dead wood – 1.66 tC/ha. Accordingly, the forest stand contribution to the total living phytomass carbon stock is maximum here and equal to moss stock. In the ground cover is deposited 4.46 tC/ha, besides sphagnum mosses (2.9 tC/ha), a significant stock in dwarf shrubs (1.11 tC/ha). Living underground phytomass deposits 9.04 tC/ha (56% of the total phytomass). The mortmass of a 40 cm surface layer of peat soil contains 63.43 tC/ha. The total contribution of pine needles and branches to the annual production is 0.04 tC/ha. The above-ground phytomass here also demonstrates the maximum annual production – 2.21 tC/ha per year, mainly provided by sphagnum mosses (1.64 tC/ha). In general, the main living phytomass carbon pools of mire sites are concentrated in the underground parts of vascular plants. The ground cover main stock is in sphagnum mosses. Significant carbon stock in the tree stands only has pine-cotton grass-dwarf shrub-sphagnum sites, where it equal to the carbon stock of mosses. In all types of sites, carbon pool in the mortmass of the upper 40 cm of the deposit are noticeably higher than the total reserves in living phytomass. The main part of the mortmass consists of the sphagnum mosses remains. Mosses are also characterized by the largest primary annual production of carbon.

WITHDRAWN: Multiple resprouting strategies coexist after fire in southeastern Brazil cerrado trees

Many trees of the Brazilian savannah have underground organs from which they resprout after a fire, although the relationship between the presence of these organs and the presence of underground resprouts (basal resprouts and root suckers) is unclear. Other relationships may also exist between the height of underground resprouts and the presence of live aerial biomass, multi-stemness and fire impact, tree age and the presence of underground resprouts, and epicormic bud distribution and fire impact. To test all these relationships, data from 367 mature cerrado trees subject to a single prescribed burn in southeastern Brazil were analysed. There was no clear relationship between the presence of underground organs and the presence of underground resprouts, although fire impact strongly influenced the presence of basal resprouts, with 90% of topkilled trees presenting basal resprouts, and this strong influence may have concealed a potential relationship between the presence of underground organs and resprouts. Underground resprouts were 45% taller when trees lacked live aerial biomass because more ground-level sunlight was available for these resprouts to grow. Single-stemmed trees had on average more basal resprouts than multi-stemmed trees, which concerned the translocation of carbohydrate reserves in multi-stemmed trees to maintain the fitness of multiple stems, while single-stemmed trees could store more reserves in their underground organs. However, multi-stemmed trees were more likely than single-stemmed trees to remain unburnt, an effect of less sunlight reaching the ground, suppressing grass cover. Trees >13 years resprouted basally less often since, as the trees were not burnt frequently, they developed deeper roots instead of investing in underground buds. Epicormic bud density was highest in medium fire impacts because a high fire impact led to topkill, while a low fire impact was insufficient to break epicormic bud dormancy. Moreover, the position of the lowest and highest epicormic buds was determined by epicormic bud density, suggesting that, at medium fire impacts, there was greater mobilisation of reserves along the tree stem to activate more epicormic buds.

Analysis of the distribution and persistence of organophosphorus pesticides malathion and diazinon in herbal plants

Introduction. Determination of pesticide residues presence in herbal plants and preparations based on them is an important step in confirming safety at the stage of the quality control of herbal plants. The usage of organophosphate pesticides (OPs) for the purposes of treatment of medicinal plants in the growing process is increasing. Scientific sources provide information on the detection of OPs in herbal plants, including quantities exceeding the allowed percentage limits as it is settled in regulatory documentation. At the same time, the problem of the distribution of particular kinds of OPs in the organs of herbal plants and their persistence remains understudied.Aim. The present research aims to study the distribution in various parts of the herbal plants (marigolds, valerian, and stinging nettle) and the persistence of malathion and diazinon.Materials and methods. Stinging nettle, that grows everywhere, exclusively cultivated marigolds, and valerian were selected as model plants. All of the plants were divided into three equal groups. Young plant shoots were processed twice with "Aliot" products containing 570 g/l of malathion and "Terradox" containing 40 g/kg of diazinon. The first group of plants was processed with pesticides following the manufacturer's instructions. The second group was treated in quantities, that were three times higher than the recommended dosage. The third group (control), was not processed with pesticides. Samples of various parts of growing herbal plants were analyzed at certain time points with the HPLC-MS/MS method according to the developed methodology. In order to study the persistence, we carried out a repeated analysis of dried samples stored without access to sunlight 0.5 years after the first one according to the requirements of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation XV.Results and discussion. The authors found malathion and diazinon in all of the analyzed parts of medicinal marigolds, in leaves and roots of nettle dioecious, in deciduous shoots and rhizomes with roots of valerian officinalis. The highest proportion of pesticides was discovered in underground plant organs. When processed according to the instructions, in marigold and nettle roots and in rhizomes with valerian roots 16.7 mg/kg, 4.5 mg/kg, and 1.7 mg/kg of malathion and 19.6 mg/kg, 4.1 mg/kg, and 1.5 mg/kg of diazinon were found, respectively. These quantities exceed the allowed limits. The quantity of pesticides in the flowers of medicinal marigolds does not exceed the permissible values. The research on the persistence of these OPs data demonstrates that malathion and diazinon persist in plant tissues for a long time.Conclusion. As a result of the research quantitative characteristics of the distribution of malathion and diazinon in various parts of medicinal marigolds, medicinal valerian, and dioecious nettle, as well as the rate and the extent of degradation of OPs during six months, were determined.

Identification of the function of a key gene NnHCT1 in lignin synthesis in petioles of Nelumbo nucifera

Leaf petiole or stem strength is an important agronomic trait affecting the growth of underground organs as a channel for material exchange and plays a vital role in the quality and yield of crops and vegetables. There are two different types of petioles in lotus, floating leaf petioles and vertical leaf petioles; however, the internal difference mechanism between these petioles is unclear. In this study, we investigated the differences between the initial vertical leaf petioles and the initial floating leaf petioles based on RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and >2858 differentially expressed genes were annotated. These genes were chiefly enriched in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, which is the source of the lignin and cellulose in petioles and stems. Lignin biology-related gene NnHCT1 was identified, and subsequent biological function validation demonstrated that the transient overexpression of NnHCT1 significantly increased the lignin and cellulose contents in lotus petioles and tobacco leaves. In contrast, silencing NnHCT1 through virus-induced gene silencing significantly reduced petiole lignin synthesis. Additionally, differentially up-regulated MYB family transcription factors were identified using RNA-seq. Yeast-one-hybrid and dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that MYB4 could bind to the NnHCT1 promoter and up-regulate NnHCT1 expression. These findings demonstrate the significant potential of NnHCT1 to enhance lignin synthesis, thereby improving stem or petiole resistance to stunting and explaining the need for the study of differential petiole relationships in plants.

Epigenetic control during root development and symbiosis.

The roots of plants play multiple functions that are essential for growth and development, including anchoring to the soil as well as water and nutrient acquisition. These underground organs exhibit the plasticity to modify their root system architecture in response to environmental cues, allowing adaptation to change in water and nutrient availability. In addition, roots enter in mutualistic interactions with soil microorganisms, for example, the root nodule symbiosis (RNS) established between a limited group of plants and nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria and the arbuscular mycorrhiza symbiosis involving most land plants and fungi of the Glomeromycetes phylum. In the past 20 years, genetic approaches allowed the identification and functional characterization of genes required for the specific programs of root development, root nodule, and arbuscular mycorrhiza symbioses. These genetic studies provided evidence that the program of the RNS recruited components of the arbuscular mycorrhiza symbiosis and the root developmental programs. The execution of these programs is strongly influenced by epigenetic changes-DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications-that alter chromatin conformation modifying the expression of key genes. In this review, we summarize recent advances that highlight how DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications, as well as chromatin remodeling factors and long noncoding RNAs, shape the root system architecture and allow the successful establishment of both root nodule and arbuscular mycorrhiza symbioses. We anticipate that the analysis of dynamic epigenetic changes and chromatin 3D structure in specific single cells or tissue types of root organs will illuminate our understanding of how root developmental and symbiotic programs are orchestrated, opening exciting questions and new perspectives to modulate agronomical and ecological traits linked to nutrient acquisition.

Consumption of underground storage organs is associated with improved energetic status in a graminivorous primate

Early hominin species likely had access to open, grassy habitats where periodic reliance on underground storage organs (USOs) is hypothesized to have played a crucial dietary role. As the only living graminivorous primate today, geladas (Theropithecus gelada) provide a unique perspective for understanding the energetic consequences of seasonal consumption of USOs. Geladas rely heavily on above-ground grasses throughout the year, but when grass is seasonally less available, they feed more on USOs. To assess whether USOs fit the definition of fallback foods (i.e., foods that are difficult to access, less preferred, or both), we examined how foraging effort (measured via time spent feeding and moving) and energetic status (measured via urinary C-peptide) fluctuated during seasonal dietary changes in a population of wild geladas in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. If, indeed, USOs are fallback foods, we predicted an increase in foraging effort and a decline in energetic status during the dry season, when geladas rely more heavily on USOs. We collected behavioral and physiological data from 13 adult gelada males across a 13-month period. As expected, we found that male geladas spent more time moving during drier months. However, counter to the hypothesis that USOs are fallback foods in geladas, urinary C-peptide concentrations were significantly higher during the dry season. We suggest that USOs may represent an energy-rich food item for geladas, but it remains unclear why USOs are not consumed year-round. Future work is needed to better understand seasonal variation in the availability, nutrient content, and digestibility of USOs. However, results indicate that exploiting USOs seasonally could have been a valuable dietary strategy for the evolutionary success of early hominins.

Eremostachys laevigata Bunge responses to different extraction solvents and methods: physiological, biochemical, and antibacterial attributes

This study examined the biochemical composition of Eremostachys laevigata Bunge's aerial and underground organs using various solvents (methanol, water, N-hexane, chloroform, and acetone) and their impact on antibacterial activity against eight bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella dysenteriae, Proteus mirabilis, and Bacillus cereus). Soxhlet and maceration extraction methods were used, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined using the tube dilution method. The study found that N-Hexane and water solvents had the highest total phenol content, while methanol, acetone, and chloroform had the lowest. Additionally, N-Hexane and methanol solvents showed the highest and lowest flavonoid content, respectively. The methanol extract from underground organs using the Soxhlet method exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity, whereas the acetone extract showed the weakest antimicrobial effect. Staphylococcus aureus displayed both the MIC and MBC, and Salmonella enterica showed the highest susceptibility to the well diffusion method, while both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were highly susceptible to the disk diffusion method. The underground organs contained 6.87 mg.g-1 of phenolic compounds and 0.19 mg.g-1 of flavonoids. Two iridoid glycosides, pholoyoside and sesamoside, were separated from the methanol extract of the underground organs using reversed-phase HPLC. The research highlights E. laevigata Bunge's potential as a natural reservoir of antimicrobial compounds, with phenolic and flavonoid compounds, along with iridoid glycosides, presumed to contribute to its antibacterial properties.

Wild capuchin monkeys use stones and sticks to access underground food

Primates employ different tools and techniques to overcome the challenges of obtaining underground food resources. Humans and chimpanzees are known to tackle this problem with stick tools and one population of capuchin monkeys habitually uses stone tools. Although early hominids could have used stones as digging tools, we know little about when and how these could be useful. Here, we report a second primate population observed using stone tools and the first capuchin monkey population to habitually use the ‘stick-probing’ technique for obtaining underground resources. The bearded capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) from Ubajara National Park, Brazil, use ‘hands-only’ and ‘stone-digging’ techniques for extracting underground storage organs and trapdoor spiders. Males also use ‘stick-probing’ and ‘stone-stick’ techniques for capturing trapdoor spiders. Tool use does not increase success in obtaining these resources. Stone-digging is less frequent in this population than in the only other known population that uses this technique. Females use stones in a lower proportion of their digging episodes than males in both populations. Ecological and cultural factors potentially influence technique choice and sex differences within and between populations. This population has a different pattern of underground food exploration using tools. Comparing this population with others and exploring the ecological and cultural factors under which capuchin monkeys employ different tools and techniques will allow us to better understand the pressures that may have shaped the evolution of those behaviors in primates.

Growth kinetics, spatialization and quality of potato tubers monitored in situ by MRI - long-term effects of water stress.

Understanding the potato tuber development and effects of drought at key stages of sensitivity on yield is crucial, particularly when considering the increasing incidence of drought due to climate change. So far, few studies addressed the time course of tuber growth in soil, mainly due to difficulties in accessing underground plant organs in a non-destructive manner. This study aims to understand the tuber growth and quality and the complex long-term effects of realistic water stress on potato tuber yield. MRI was used to monitor the growth kinetics and spatialization of individual tubers in situ and the evolution of internal defects throughout the development period. The intermittent drought applied to plants reduced tuber yield by reducing tuber growth and increasing the number of aborted tubers. The reduction in the size of tubers depended on the vertical position of the tubers in the soil, indicating water exchanges between tubers and the mother plant during leaf dehydration events. The final size of tubers was linked with the growth rate at specific developmental periods. For plants experiencing stress, this corresponded to the days following rewatering, suggesting tuber growth plasticity. All internal defects occurred in large tubers and within a short time span immediately following a period of rapid growth of perimedullary tissues, probably due to high nutrient requirements. To conclude, the non-destructive 3D imaging by MRI allowed us to quantify and better understand the kinetics and spatialization of tuber growth and the appearance of internal defects under different soil water conditions.

Saffron In Vitro Propagation: An Innovative Method by Temporary Immersion System (TIS), Integrated with Machine Learning Analysis

The propagation of Crocus sativus L. relies exclusively on corm multiplication. As underground storage organs, corms are susceptible to a wide range of pathogens, environmental stresses, and diseases, making traditional propagation methods often ineffective with the loss of valuable material. In vitro propagation offers an alternative for the saffron culture under controlled conditions. In particular, the innovative application of the Temporary Immersion System (TIS) represents a technological advancement for enhancing biomass production with a reduction in operational costs. The current study utilized the Plantform™ bioreactor to propagate in vitro saffron corms from the ‘Abruzzo’ region (Italy), integrating machine learning models to assess its performance. The evaluation of saffron explants after 30, 60, and 90 days of culture showed a marked improvement in growth and microcorm production compared to conventional in vitro culture on semisolid medium, supported by the machine learning analysis. Indeed, the Random Forest algorithm revealed a predictive accuracy with an R2 value of 0.81 for microcorm number, showcasing the capability of machine learning models to forecast propagation outcomes effectively. These results confirm that applying TIS in saffron culture could lead to economically viable, large biomass production within a controlled environment, irrespective of seasonality. This study represents the first endeavor to use TIS technology to enhance the in vitro propagation of saffron in conjunction with machine learning, suggesting an innovative approach for cultivating high-value crops like saffron.

Estimation of irradiation doses of transuranic radionuclides to plants of phytocenoses of the Polesie State Radiation-Ecological Reserve

Estimation of irradiation doses of transuranic radionuclides to plants of phytocenoses of the Polesie State Radiation-Ecological Reserve

A microCT assessment of archaeological parenchyma from three riverine shell middens dating to the early Holocene, Yongjiang River Basin, Guangxi, southern China

Archaeobotanical investigations at three riverine shell midden sites dating to the early Holocene – Baozitou, Shichuantou and Nabeizui – in the Yongjiang River Basin, Guangxi, southern China have identified charred fragments of archaeological parenchyma. A subset of the archaeological parenchyma was assessed using X-ray micro-computed tomography (microCT), which enabled virtual histological examination of the interior of parenchyma fragments. The microCT scanning identified a fragment of lotus root (Nelumbo nucifera), a possible immature fig fruit (poss. Ficus sp.), cooked food fragments, and less diagnostic elements, some of which derive from underground storage organs (USOs), including a bud/bulb and potentially an aroid. The fragment of lotus root from Nabeizui was directly radiocarbon dated using Accelerator Mass Spectrometry to 8770–8544 cal BP. A new AMS radiocarbon chronology based on Canarium nutshells for the three sites indicates that they were all used during the early Holocene. These findings contribute to the understanding of broad spectrum plant use by hunter-gatherer-fisher communities in southern China during the early Holocene, as well as showing the potential of microCT imaging for the analysis of archaeological parenchyma from this region.

Responses of belowground bud bank density of geophytes to environmental perturbations: a meta-analysis

Abstract A belowground bud bank is a collection of asexual propagules produced by the underground storage organs of geophytes. Renewal through belowground bud banks is the main reproductive strategy of geophytes. The belowground bud bank density reflects the potential renewal capacity of geophyte communities. However, the effects of different perturbation regimes and habitats on the belowground bud bank density of geophytes are not comprehensively understood. Moreover, whether different types of belowground bud banks respond differently to perturbations is still unclear. For this meta-analysis, relevant papers on the effects of environmental perturbations on the belowground bud bank density of geophytes were systematically collected. The cumulative effect size of different perturbation regimes and habitats on belowground bud banks among different bud types was analyzed. Overall, the effect of environmental perturbations on belowground bud bank density was small, which may result from opposite or fluctuating responses of bud banks to different perturbations. Drought negatively affected bud bank density. Environmental perturbations decreased rhizome bud density but increased tiller bud density. In wetlands, perturbations decreased belowground bud bank density. However, no significant effect was found for other habitat types. In general, belowground bud banks of geophytes are highly resistant and resilient. Changes in belowground bud bank density depend on the type of perturbations, the habitats in which plants are distributed and the type of bud banks.

RESEARCH OF SPAIN SCORZONERA (SCORZONERA HISPANICA L.) FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF FUNCTIONAL NUTRITIONAL FOODS BASED ON IT

Introduction. The relevance of the study lies in the study of the chemical composition of the food culture of Scorzonera hispanica of the "Lechebnye" variety, identification of the most significant, from the point of view of therapeutic nutrition biologically active substances and prediction of further possible ways of using raw materials of this plant in the development of functional foods. Purpose of the study. To study the qualitative and quantitative composition of substances determining the nutritional value of Scorzonera hispanic variety Lechebnye cultivated in the Krasnodar region, as well as a detailed study of the amino acid composition of the root and herb, and their water-extractable complexes for subsequent use in the development of food products of functional purpose. Material and method. The object of the study was the roots and grass of the Scorzonera hispanica of the "Lechebnye" variety, harvested in 2021–2023 on the territory of the North Caucasus branch of FGBNU VILAR. Dry water-extractable complexes of Scorzonera herb and root were obtained according to a well-known technological scheme, including the stages of solid-phase extraction, concentration of the resulting extract, purification by filtration and drying of the extract. Physico-chemical indicators of the nutritional value of the root and herb of Scorzonera hispanica: qualitative and quantitative composition of nutrients (protein, fiber, fat, calcium and phosphorus), safety indicators (arsenic, cadmium, were determined using generally accepted methods for food raw materials. Capillary electrophoresis was used as an analytical method for studies of the composition and content of amino acids in the studied objects. Results. It was found that the above-ground and underground organs of cultivated food plant Scorzonera hispanica cultivar Lechyorny in the Krasnodar Territory are characterized by a high content of physicochemical indicators of nutrients such as crude protein, fiber, fat. Thus, the mass fraction of crude protein in the root – 11.41%, in the grass – 10.43%, fiber in the root – 6.6% and 30.0% in the grass, crude fat in the root – 3.28%, in the grass –3.39%. The data of studies of amino acid composition of grass, roots of Scorzonera hispanica and their water-extractable complexes show that grass and root contain 12 amino acids, 7 of which are essential (threonine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, lysine). The studied complexes revealed the presence of a number of substituted amino acids - tyrosine, cysteine, serine, proline, alanine, glycine and essential amino acids - phenylalanine, threonine, methionine, lysine, and valine, histidine and arginine, histidine and arginine (essential). Conclusions. The research results obtained allow us to conclude that the herb and roots of Scorzonera hispanica of the "Lechebnye" variety are valuable as sources of essential nutrients, such as protein, fiber, fat, calcium, phosphorus and amino acids, which provides the opportunity to consider the creation of functional food products based on these plant materials.

Evaluation of different fungicides against Alternaria solani causing early blight disease of potato under in vitro conditions

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a widely cultivated starch crop known for its edible underground storage organ, providing essential nutrients globally. Early blight, caused by the fungal pathogen Alternaria solani can lead to significant yield losses in potato crop, reports indicated that average annual yield losses due to early blight range from approximately 50 per cent to 75 per cent of production. Chemical protection have been a prominent approach in controlling early blight. Under in vitro evaluation fungicides, among non-systemic fungicides, mancozeb 75% WP exhibited the highest mean mycelial growth inhibition at 96.25 per cent, followed by thiram 75% WP with a mean mycelial growth inhibition of 92.51 per cent. Among six systemic fungicides evaluated, hexaconazole 5% EC and tebuconazole 25.9% EC recorded cent per cent mycelial growth inhibition at all four concentrations (0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15%) tested which were significantly superior over rest of fungicides followed by difenconazole 25% EC. Among seven combi product fungicide tested, (captan 70% + hexaconazole 5%) 75% WP showed the mycelial growth inhibition of 100 per cent at all three concentrations tested, significantly over other combi-product fungicides.

Transcriptional dynamics in source-sink tissues identifies molecular factors regulating the corm development process in saffron (Crocus sativus L.).

Geophytic plants have evolved to develop underground storage organs (USO) in the active growing season to withstand harsh environments as well as to coordinate growth and reproduction when conditions are favourable. Saffron is an autumn flowering geophyte and an expensive spice crop restricted to certain geographical locations in the world. Saffron, being sterile, does not produce seeds and thus propagates only through corms, the quality of which determines its yield. Corm development in saffron is unexplored and the underlying molecular mechanism is still elusive. In this study, we performed an extensive characterisation of the transcriptional dynamics in the source (leaf) and sink (corm) tissues during corm development in saffron. Via morphological and transcriptome studies, we identified molecular factors regulating corm development process in saffron, which defined corm development into three stages: the initiation stage demonstrates enhanced vegetative growth aboveground and swelling of shoot base belowground due to active cell division & carbohydrate storage; the bulking stage comprises of increased source and sink strength, active photosynthesis, circadian gating and starch accumulation; the maturation stage represents reduced source and sink strength, lowered photosynthesis, sugar transport, starch synthesis and cell cycle arrest. The global view of transcriptional changes in source and sink identifies similar and new molecular factors involved in the saffron corm development process compared to USO formation in other geophytes and provides a valuable resource for dissecting the molecular network underlying the corm development. We propose a hypothetical model based on data analysis, of how molecular factors via environmental cues can regulate the corm development process in saffron.

BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SUBSTANCES IN THE ORGANS OF IRIS SETOSA (IRIDACEAE)

The content of the main groups of biologically active substances in the flowers, leaves, rhizomes of Iris setosa cultivated under the conditions of the forest-steppe zone of the Novosibirsk Region has been determined. The content of tannins, pectins, protopectins, catechins, flavonoids, carotenoids during the seasonal development of plants was determined. It is found that tannin content in the leaves in all phenophases of I. setosa plant development is 6.3-8.5 times higher than in rhizomes. During the flowering period, flavonoid content in the leaves is 29.7 times higher than in rhizomes, during the stage of blossom fading it is 18.1 times higher, and at the stage of fruiting it is 25.1 times higher. The same accumulation of catechins (0.23-0.24 wt%) was found in underground and aboveground organs during the period of blossom fading. Pectin content in leaves during fruiting was detected to be 2.4-2.7 times higher than during flowering and blossom fading. Pectin content in rhizomes is 2.2-2.4 times higher during blossom fading and fruiting than during flowering. The content of carotenoids in flowers during flowering is 2 times higher than in rhizomes, but 2.6 times lower than in leaves. It is noted that the quantitative content of biologically active substances in the organs of I. setosa is determined by the peculiarities of growth and development during the seasonal period.