Underground Organs Research Articles

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.

Effect of weeds on pea (Pisum sativum) seed germination

Segetal vegetation should be controlled both during crop growing season and after harvesting. The reason is that undesirable vegetation accumulates a significant mass, one that will later become a threat to the following crop in crop rotation. Mixtures of substances of biogenic origin, called allopathic, are constantly changing subject to abiotic factors and environmental conditions. Therefore, their effects on organisms are characterized by significant variability. According to the biotesting results, we found that allopathically active substances of all experimental weed species had a negative effect on pea seed germination. In the control variant, all seeds germinated in 4 days, but in some experimental variants 2–3% of the seeds were in the phase of swelling. Water extracts from different species and parts of weeds had significant inhibitory effect on the germination of pea seeds and further growth. The water-soluble extracts from the underground organs of perennial weeds such as Elytrigia repens L. and Cirsium arvense L. were particularly strong, leading to 58.2% and 53.1% reduction in the length of the embryonic root. Water-soluble extracts from the leaves of these weeds had slightly lower effects on pea germination, and the lags in root growth were 33.5% and 31.4%, respectively. Extracts from weed stems also inhibited pea germination and had an intermediate effect between the effect of water-soluble extracts from the underground part and leaf blades. The effect of extracts from roots of annual weeds on the length of the germinal root ranged 36.6% in common stork’s-bill (Erodium cicutarium L.) to 13.9% in chickweed (Stellaria media L.). The allopathic effect of the substances from the leaves of chickweed (Stellaria media L.) and potato weed (Galinsoga parviflora Cav.) had the lowest effect on the growth of pea root. The lag of the indicator in the control was 7.2% and 12.9% for the variants.

Preliminary Qualitative Analysis of Plant Samples by High-performance Thin-layer Chromatography for the Presence of Steroid Sapogenins of Some Representatives of the Dioscoreacae, Fabaceae, Ranunculaceae, Melanthiaceae, Scrophulariaceae

Introduction. Results of original research carried out by means of high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) of various plant samples (air-dry raw material) of Dioscoreaceae, Ranunculaceae, Fabaceae, Melanthiaceae, Scrophulariaceae families are presented in this article.Aim. To carry out preliminary qualitative analysis by HPTLC method of steroidal sapogenins composition in hydrolyzed extracts, obtained from vegetative samples of above-ground and underground organs of some Dioscoreaceae, Ranunculaceae, Fabaceae, Melanthiaceae, Scrophulariaceae families.Materials and methods. Extraction from pre-dehydrated raw materials was carried out with 50 % aqueous isopropanol (c.p.) in an ultrasonic bath, followed by acidic hydrolysis of O-glycoside bonds, evaporation and redissolution of dry residue in 99 % methanol (c.p.); purification from suspended solids by filtering through filters with 20 µm perforation diameter. HPTLC was performed on apparatus complex CAMAG (Switzerland) using HPTLC Aluminium sheets Silica gel 60 F254 plates 20 × 20 cm, which were cut to the size 20 × 10 cm.Results and discussion. After scanning densitometry at 254 nm, we found that the separation of isopropanol extracts, followed by redissolution in strong methanol in this solvent system allows a fairly acceptable separation and identification of the compounds studied. Comparison of the tracks of plant extracts was performed with standard samples of steroid sapogenins, whose methanol solutions were applied to one stain-strobe of track 1, provided that they had different Rf indices and coloration after derivatization.Conclusion. Diosgenin was identified in plant extracts of rhizomes and roots of Dioscorea nipponica and Dioscorea caucasica and in seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum preliminarily. Sarsasapogenin was verified in extracts of fruits of Sophora japonica, tigogenin in extracts of seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum, herb of Pulsatilla patens and herb of Veronica officinalis. Yamogenin was detected in extracts of seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum and herb of Veronica officinalis. This work is exploratory in nature, assessing the presence of certain saponins by their sapogenins in selected extracts. We will optimize the HPLC separation procedure and choose other detection methods to unambiguously assess the co-presence of the studied sapogenins with approximately the same staining shades after derivatization and matching retention indices: there are pairs of steroidal sapogenins that have the same retention, we decided to group them in mixtures so that there would be separation within the group and subsequent comparison with the original extracts would make it possible to identify those or other sapogenins in such extracts.

Mycobiont identity and light conditions affect belowground morphology and physiology of a mixotrophic orchid Cremastra variabilis (Orchidaceae).

We have investigated whether mycobiont identity and environmental conditions affect morphology and physiology of the chlorophyllous orchid: Cremastra variabilis. This species grows in a broad range of environmental conditions and associates with saprotrophic rhizoctonias including Tulasnellaceae and saprotrophic non-rhizoctonian fungi from the family Psathyrellaceae. We cultured the orchid from seeds under aseptic culture conditions and subsequently inoculated the individuals with either a Tulasnellaceae or a Psathyrellaceae isolate. We observed underground organ development of the inoculated C. variabilis plants and estimated their nutritional dependency on fungi using stable isotope abundance. Coralloid rhizome development was observed in all individuals inoculated with the Psathyrellaceae isolate, and 1-5 shoots per seedling grew from the tip of the coralloid rhizome. In contrast, individuals associated with the Tulasnellaceae isolate did not develop coralloid rhizomes, and only one shoot emerged per plantlet. In darkness, δ13C enrichment was significantly higher with both fungal isolates, whereasδ15N values were only significantly higher in plants associated with the Psathyrellaceae isolate. We conclude that C. variabilis changes its nutritional dependency on fungal symbionts depending on light availability and secondly that the identity of fungal symbiont influences the morphology of underground organs.

COMPARATIVE CONTENT OF ASCORBIC ACID, TANNINS, TOTAL ASH IN ABOVEGROUND AND UNDERGROUND ORGANS OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GENUS HOSTA TRATT.

The content of phenolic compounds (tannins), ascorbic acid, ash substances in leaves, flowers, roots of Hosta decorata, H. sieboldiana, H. lancifolia, H. crispula, H. undulata and two varieties: Stiletto, Night before Cristmas cultivated in the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia was analyzed. Stable indicators were found in ascorbic acid leaves in the range of 11.01–11.90 mg/100 g. The content of tannins (2.01–2.24%) in the leaves of H. undulata, H. ventricosa, cultivar Stiletto is 2 times higher than that of H. decorata, H. sieboldiana, H. lancifolia, H. crispula, cultivar Night before Cristmas. It was established for the first time that in the flowers of H. sieboldiana and the Night before Cristmas variety, the content of ash substances, ascorbic acid, tannins is 1.5–2 times higher than H. crispula, H. undulata, H. ventricosa, H. decorata and Stiletto varieties. It was found that in the underground organs of H. decorata the concentration of tannins, ascorbic acid and ash substances is 1.5–2 times higher. In general, the adaptive ability of introduced species and varieties is manifested in the individual content of secondary metabolites and ash substances in vegetative and generative organs during the period of mass flowering of plants.

Basic and additional ecological niches of soil phytopatogenes on spring wheat varieties in West Siberia

The elucidation of hydrothermal and temporal parameters of the realization of the main and additional ecological niches of jointly parasitizing widespread soil phytopathogenic micromycetes has theoretical and applied significance. The aim of the study was to identify the parameters of the implementation of the main and additional ecological niches by the dominant species of soil micromycetes on spring wheat (Bipolaris sorokiniana Sacc. Shoem., Fusarium poae (Peck.) Wollenw., F. oxysporum Schltdl.) in the system of underground and generative organs of spring wheat varieties. The objectives of the study included determining the level of realization of the main ecological niches by three dominant species of soil pathogenic micromycetes in the system of underground organs of spring wheat varieties in different phases of vegetation, as well as identifying the degree of realization by micromycetes of additional ecological niches in generative organs of spring wheat varieties and assessing the strength of the influence of varieties and conditions of the year on the size of ecological niches in underground and generative organs of plants. The study was conducted on 20 varieties of spring wheat in 2020–2022, in the northern forest-steppe of the Ob region according to generally accepted and author’s methods. It is shown that the soil micromycetes B. sorokiniana, Fusarium poae and F. oxysporum, parasitizing together on the underground and generative organs of spring wheat, have different hydrothermal and temporal parameters of the realization of the main and additional ecological niches. B. sorokiniana is a relatively thermophilic species, its parasitic activity is most successful in underground, especially straw organs, is realized in conditions of unstable humidification, F. poae is a moisture-loving micromycete that prefers underground, especially young organs of spring wheat plants, F. oxysporum is a drought-resistant species that tends to more mature plant organs. As for the generative organs of wheat, B. sorokiniana colonizes them by airborne droplets in humid conditions, keeping them confined to straw-like tissues, the correlation coefficient of B. sorokiniana infection of the ear rods and the SCC of August was equal to r = 0.812 ± 0.412. F. poae could reach ears by vessels, the degree of their colonization by this micromycete was small and practically did not depend on the weather conditions of the year and its representation in underground plant organs. F. oxysporum colonized ears of spring wheat by vessels, and the degree of its representation in pathocomplexes of generative organs closely correlated with its share in pathocomplexes of primary and secondary roots: r = 0.923 ± 0.146.

QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF KHELLACTONE AND OTHER COUMARINS IN PHLOJODICARPUS SIBIRICUS (APIACEAE)

Phlojodicarpus sibiricus (Fisch.) Koso-Pol. is a medicinal plant of the Apiaceae family, the underground organs of which accumulate various groups of coumarins, including simple coumarins, furocoumarins and angular dihydropyranocoumarins in the form of esters of kellactone (3′,4′-dihydroxy-3′,4′-dihydroseselin), which are the dominant group of secondary metabolites. Known methods for the analysis of rhizomes and roots of P. sibiricus determine the content of individual compounds (visnadin, dihydrosamidin), which does not allow obtaining complete information about the presence of coumarin compounds in the plant. In the present study, a method of quantitative analysis of coumarins was developed. It includes preliminary hydrolysis of raw materials in aqueous potassium hydroxide, which leads to deacylation of esterified derivatives of kellactone and lomatin, without affecting glycosides of simple coumarins, followed by analysis of hydrolysis products (sum of kellactones, lomatin, 6′-O-apiosyl skimmin) by HPLC. The developed technique is characterized by high analysis speed, satisfactory validation characteristics, and accuracy. Approbation of the technique was carried out on samples of rhizomes and roots of P. sibiricus collected in three regions of Siberia (Zabaikalsky Krai, Buryatia Republic, Sakha (Yakutia) Republic). The total content of coumarins in plant materials from the studied populations was 12.70–74.03 mg/g. The method can be used for quality analysis and standardization of P. sibiricus rhizomes and roots.

Insights from the preimaginal morphology of the constans species-group, to reveal novel morphological patterns of the Merodon albifrons-evolutionary lineage (Diptera, Syrphidae)

Merodon triangulum Vujić, Radenković & Hurkmans, 2020 is a European endemic hoverfly species belonging to Merodon constans species-group, inside albifrons-lineage. The distribution of this species is known to be mostly central Europe and Balkan peninsula and it has been categorized as Near Threatened in the European IUCN red list of hoverflies; this paper cites the species for the first time in Ukraine (western Ukraine, specifically). In the present study, the preimaginal stages of this species are described and figured using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The material used for the descriptions were larvae collected in Ukraine and Serbia feeding inside underground storage organs of the spring snowflake Leucojum vernum L., 1753. This morphological description constitutes the first one inside the constans species-group, and the sixth description of the albifrons-lineage, in which there is only one species-group left to have at least one species of the preimaginal stages described (i.e., ruficornis species-group). The descriptions were compared with the rest available of the genus, stating the diagnostical characters of the present species and the shared characters inside the lineage. The novel information provided on the trophic interaction between M. triangulum larvae and Leucojum bulbs is stated for the first time and further supports the association of the constans species-group with the underground storage organs of snowflakes and snowdrops (Galantheae) in their role as host plants.

Comparative Study of Free Amino Acid Profiles in Underground Organs of Several Species of the Genus Rumex During Different Phases of the Vegetation Cycle

Introduction. Amino acids (AA), the primary metabolites in plants, play a crucial role in various physiological processes, including the synthesis of phenolic compounds. Drug products and dietary supplements made from medicinal plants can become a rich source of both nonessential and essential amino acids. High levels of free amino acids found in herbal raw material often indicate the presence of biotic and abiotic stress in the plants. Therefore, understanding the dynamics of bioactive compound accumulation in plants throughout their phenological phases of development is critical to optimizing their potential health benefits.Aim. To compare qualitative composition and dynamics of AA accumulation in the underground organs of four representatives of the Rumex genus: R. confertus, R. crispus L., R. obtusifolius L., R. aquaticus L. of three different vegetative phases.Materials and methods. Water extracts from underground organs of the studied plants were analyzed using two different methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Extracts were applied to the chromatographic plates TLS Silica gel 60 F254 (Merk, Germany) 20 × 20 cm with a micro-syringe (LLC "Tsvet", Russia). After elution, the plates were treated with a 2 % ninhydrin solution. Quantitative analysis was carried out using the SF-2000 spectrophotometer (LLC "OKB Spectr", Russia).Results and discussion. The amino acid profile of the underground organs of R. confertus, R. crispus L., R. obtusifolius L., R. aquaticus L. during three vegetative phases was determined using the TLC method; the quantitative analysis performed using spectrophotometry.Conclusion. The most diverse amino acid (AA) profiles were found in the withering phase in all Rumex species, with up to 9 amino adsorption zones. In contrast, the least diverse AA profiles were observed in the flowering phase, ranging from 2 to 4 adsorption zones. The quantitative content of AA was lowest in the flowering phase, increased during the regrowth phase, and peaked in the withering phase. However, R. crispus L. showed an unusual pattern, with the highest quantitative content of AA detected in the regrowth phase.

Anatomical characteristics and resprouting capacity of the underground organs of Bohemian knotweed (Polygonum ×bohemicum)

AbstractThe hybrid Bohemian knotweed [Polygonum ×bohemicum (J. Chrtek & Chrtková) Zika & Jacobson [cuspidatum × sachalinense]; syn.: Reynoutria ×bohemica Chrtek & Chrtková] is part of the worldwide problematic rhizomatous invasive plants that impact (semi-)natural and agricultural systems. In this context, precise knowledge about the morpho-anatomy and resprouting capacity of the underground organs is key information for developing efficient eradication measures. In the present study, we aimed at (1) clarifying existing differences in the morpho-anatomical characteristics of rhizomes and roots, (2) developing an easy-to-apply field identification method for the underground organs, and (3) identifying the main morpho-anatomical features enhancing the rhizomes’ resprouting ability. For this purpose, we collected the underground organs of two wild populations of P. ×bohemicum in Canton Ticino (southern Switzerland) and analyzed the morpho-anatomical differences between rhizomes and roots, using high-resolution microscope images and microtome sections. Collected material was then used for a resprouting capacity test after assessing rhizome characteristics such as weight, total diameter, pith diameter, pith brightness, and pith color. In contrast to roots, rhizomes are characterized by pith tissue in the center and display nodes with peripheral dormant buds that enable them to resprout. Resprouting ability of rhizomes was high (87.1% on average) and depended on the ontogenetic developmental stage of the organs (peak values of 97% for young and clearer-colored organs, 50% for old and dark ones). In conclusion, the smooth pith tissue of rhizomes represents a key discriminating feature between rhizomes and roots, whereas relating existing nodes to the corresponding rhizome pith color allows assessment of the resprouting potential of a knotweed population.

Heavy metals content of Sanguisorba officinalis L. in some regions of Siberia

Heavy metals content was studied in soil, herb and rhizomes with roots of Sanguisorba officinalis L. obtained in the Kemerovo, Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk regions. The study found that the root layer soil samples at all survey sites have significant elemental composition fluctuations and that its content does not exceed the maximum permissible concentration (MAC) in accordance with hygienic standards. It was revealed that biophyllic metals – Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu – accumulate more, mainly in Sanguisorba officinalis L. underground organs – rhizomes and roots (390.00…8.20 mg/kg). The raw materials samples collected in the Krasnoyarsk, Kemerovo and Novosibirsk regions comply the GMP.1.5.3.0009 GF XV requirements for standardized heavy metals.

Phytochemical study of Glycyrrhiza pallidiflora Maxim.

This article presents the results of the primary phytochemical study of Glycyrrhiza pallidiflora Maxim. introduced in the southeast of Western Siberia. The qualitative and quantitative composition of several primary and secondary metabolites in underground and aboveground organs of the plant were studied in different years of introduction and vegetation period. The presence of triterpene saponins, coumarins, chromones, chalcones, aurones, 5-oxy-flavones, 5-oxy-flavonols, flavan-3-ols, and proanthocyanidins was determined. The total content of phenolic compounds in the grass reached 2.83±0.22% and in the roots up to 0.77±0.27%. Eighteen proteinogenic amino acids were identified, including 8 essential and 10 nonessential amino acids. The seeds were found to accumulate 4.27±0.25% of fatty oils with a predominance of triglycerides of polyunsaturated acids.

Development of the root system of Poa pratensis L. influenced by phytomass of competitive plants

The periodic surface application of phytomass of Solidago canadensis L., Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim, Chamaenerion angustifolium (L.) and Scop., and Cirsium setosum (Willd.) Besser ex M.Bieb., results in variations in the development of underground organs of Poa pratensis, including the stimulation or inhibition of rhizome formation. The noted effects are associated with variations in the structure and properties of soils, similar to those observed for green manure (siderate plants).

Biomorphological traits and leaf dry matter content are important to plant persistence in a highly unstable volcanic ground

The colonisation of newly formed territories by plants during primary succession is a crucial stage in the formation of ecosystems. Adaptations of species to withstand harsh environment allow them to survive and form pioneer communities. We analysed ten categorical and quantitative plant traits to examine their role in plant resistance to substrate instability in primary volcanic habitats. The research questions were: 1) which plant traits enable plants to persist under the most unstable ground conditions?; 2) what are the ecological strategies of species that grow under the condition of stress, such as low mineral nutrition, coupled with intense disturbance, such as unstable ground? The research was conducted on the Tolbachinsky Dol plateau in Kamchatka, Russia, on loose volcanic sediments of the 1975 eruption. At altitudes ranging from 700 m a.s.l. to 1000 m a.s.l., 40 sample plots were established along the gradients of altitude and degrees of ground instability. The species composition of vascular plants and the percentage cover of species, as well as other habitat characteristics, were assessed. Linear models were used to investigate the relationship between traits and ground instability. The principal component analysis was used to identify groups of characteristic traits. Leaf dry matter content (LDMC) had the largest explained variance. The LDMC community weighted means decreased with increasing disturbance (ground instability). A whole set of categorical traits, i.e. plant functional types, characterised the adaptation of plants to unstable ground. These characteristics include life-form (according to Serebryakov classification), density of shoots arrangement, morphology of underground organs, and, to a lesser extent, dispersal mode. The study analysed 45 species, and it was found that only four of them were adapted to perform under conditions of high substrate instability. The study showed that the mutual interaction of a suite of biomorphological traits and leaf density characteristics formed a syndrome of pioneer species adapted to unstable ground. The ecological strategies of the majority of species in the studied communities were characterised by the predominance of the stress-tolerant strategy, explained by the extremely poor mineral nutrition in the primary habitats. Under conditions of both low nutrient availability and high disturbance intensity, species with a mixed stress-tolerant-ruderal strategy are favoured. In the gradient of increasing disturbance, the role of the ruderal axis increased while stress tolerance decreased. However, the role of ecological strategy may be weakened by the presence of other important adaptive traits.

Comparative Analysis of the Essential Oil of the Underground Organs of <i>Valeriana</i> spp. from Different Countries

Comparative Analysis of the Essential Oil of the Underground Organs of <i>Valeriana</i> spp. from Different Countries

On the immature stages of some Merodontini hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) from Europe and Africa

The genera Eumerus and Merodon (Syrphidae: Merodontini) form together the most speciose grouping of hoverflies in the Palaearctic Region. However, little is known about the morphology and biology of their larvae. The few larvae of Eumerus and Merodon that have been uncovered are phytophagous in underground organs of plants (some Eumerus and all Merodon) or saprophagous in a variety of plants' parts (the reminder of Eumerus). In this study, the second larval stage (L2) of Eumerus lyneborgi Ricarte & Hauser, 2020 and both the larva (L2) and puparium of Merodon constans (Rossi, 1794) are described for the first time. Larvae of E. lyneborgi were found in a decaying stem of Cyphostemma juttae (Dinter & Gilg) Desc., 1960 (Vitaceae) in Namibia (Africa), while larvae of M. constans were collected in bulbs of Leucojum vernum Linnaeus, 1753, (Amaryllidaceae) in France (Europe). Morphology of the immature forms was studied by observation and imaging with stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The head skeleton of E. lyneborgi larvae was found to be of the filter feeding type, i.e., in accordance with a saprophagous trophic regime, while that of M. constans was typically phytophagous. Variability in certain characters of the M. constans early stages is described and discussed in relation to the adult form and molecular information published in literature. An updated identification key to all known third larval stages/puparia of Merodon is provided.

Histochemical analysis of Xanthium strumarium raw materials, growing on the territory of Kazakhstan

Histochemical analysis of medicinal plants and raw materials is designed to study the localization of various chemical substances and metabolic products in their tissues. The article presents the results of a histochemical analysis of leaves, stems, roots and fruits of a promising medicinal plant Xanthium strumarium, the herb of which is used in folk medicine to treat iodine deficiency. Goal. Determination of the features of localization of individual groups of biologically active substances in the aerial and underground organs of Xanthium strumarium, growing on the territory of Kazakhstan. Materials and methods. Materials for the study: cross sections of the stem; cross and superficial sections of leaves; cross sections of the root and the surface preparation of Xanthium strumarium’s fruit. Samples of raw materials were fixed in Strauss-Fleming solution, cross sections were prepared manually, after which histochemical reactions were carried out to locate and identify the following biologically active substances: essential oil, starch, flavonoids, polysaccharides, sesquiterpene lactones and alkaloids. The study of microscopic features, as well as histochemical tests, was carried out according to the methods of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Republic of Kazakhstan using a “Biomed-4” light microscope. Results: By histochemical methods using light microscopy determined the localization of biologically active substances in plant raw materials. The presence of essential oil, flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides and sesquiterpene lactones on cross sections of the leaf, stem, root and fruit was established. The accumulation of starch in all organs of the plant has not been established. Conclusion: For the first time, by histochemical tests, the localization of biologically active substances in the tissues of Xanthium strumarium were studied. The results of histochemical studies can be used to confirm the authenticity, identification and standardization of the aerial and underground parts of Xanthium strumarium.

Chemical Diversity of Wild-Growing and Cultivated Common Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L. s.l.) Originating from Poland.

Common valerian is a medicinal plant. The underground organs of this species are used as a mild sedative and sleeping aid. Poland is one of the largest producers of this raw material in Europe, with local cultivar 'Lubelski' as a primary cultivated form. Although valerian is the subject of more or less deliberate selection carried out by farmers, it is still genetically unstable. The aim of this study was to determine the diversity of the 'Lubelski' cultivar originating from four regions of Poland (forms: L1-L4) in relation to wild-growing populations of the species. The plants were assessed in terms of the mass of underground organs and the content of valerenic acids and essential oils (EOs). The content of valerenic acids was determined using HPLC, whereas the content of EOs was determined using hydrodistillation. The composition of EOs was assessed using GC-MS GC-FID. The ploidy level of the analyzed objects was determined as well. Wild-growing populations (diploids) were characterized by lower masses of underground organs and lower contents of valerenic acid than cultivated forms (tetraploids). However, they produced higher contents of EOs. All the cultivated forms were strongly diversified with respect to the analyzed traits, including the mass of the roots (CV 49-75%), the content of valerenic acids (CV 18-55%), and the content of EOs (CV 28-57%). A total of 44 compounds were identified in the EOs. The dominant compound of both wild-growing populations and the 'Lubelski' forms were: α-fenchene, bornyl acetate, and valerenal. Among 'Lubelski' forms, the most interesting seems to be the L2 form, which was characterized by a relatively high yield and high content of valerenic acids and EOs. Thus, it appears to be a promising source of objects for further valerian cultivar improvement.

Growth Stimulation of Durum Wheat and Common Buckwheat by Non-Thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma.

The grains of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) and achenes of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) were tested after treatment with two sources of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (DCSBD, MSDBD) with different treatment times (0, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 s). The effect of these treatments was monitored with regard to the seed surface diagnostics (water contact angle-WCA, chemical changes by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-FTIR); twenty parameters associated with germination and initial seed growth were monitored. A study of the wettability confirmed a decrease in WCA values indicating an increase in surface energy and hydrophilicity depending on the type of seed, plasma source, and treatment time. Surface analysis by attenuated total reflectance FTIR (ATR-FTIR) showed no obvious changes in the chemical bonds on the surface of the plasma-treated seeds, which confirms the non-destructive effect of the plasma on the chemical composition of the seed shell. A multivariate analysis of the data showed many positive trends (not statistically significant) in germination and initial growth parameters. The repeated results for germination rate and root/shoot dry matter ratio indicate the tendency of plants to invest in underground organs. Durum wheat required longer treatment times with non-thermal plasma (10 s, 20 s) for germination and early growth, whereas buckwheat required shorter times (5 s, 10 s). The responses of durum wheat grains to the two non-thermal plasma sources used were equal. In contrast, the responses of buckwheat achenes were more favorable to MSDBD treatment than to DCSBD.