Variety Of Plants Research Articles

Growth and Yield of Two Tomato Plant Varieties in Dryland Areas with Agronomic Modification Treatments

The yield of tomato plants in dryland areas has been suboptimal due to environmental constraints such as poor soil health and high sunlight intensity. Appropriate agronomic modifications are necessary to improve crop yields while maintaining soil health. This study investigated the impact of various agronomic modification treatments on the growth and yield of tomato plants in dryland regions. The experiment was conducted in Gumantar Village, North Lombok Regency, during the dry season from June to August 2023. The agronomic modifications included a seaweed biochar treatment at a rate of 10 tons per hectare and 45% shading, with a control group that had no modifications. Three treatments were tested on two varieties of tomato plants: hybrid and local superior. The treatments were organized with four replications in a randomized complete block design with split plots, where agronomic modifications served as the main plots and the tomato varieties as the subplots. The results indicated that the interaction of agronomic modifications and plant varieties impacted the growth of tomato plants and various environmental factors. The hybrid variety under shading treatment exhibited the best growth. Additionally, this hybrid variety produced 59.6% more fruit than the local superior variety, yielding an average of 66 fruits and weighing 3.00 kg per plant. This study suggests that incorporating agronomic modifications, such as biochar treatment and selecting the appropriate variety, can enhance tomato yields in dryland areas.

GC-MS and HPTLC Fingerprinting Analysis and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Naga Chilli: An InVitro and In Silico Approach.

Naga chilli (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) have garnered significant attention due to the plant's possible health benefits and variety of phytochemical components. Utilizing cutting-edge analytical techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) in conjunction with bioautography, this study conducts a thorough phytochemical profiling and biological activity assessment of the Naga chilli plant. An in silico docking study was performed for all the bioactive compounds identified through GC-MS against dihydrofolate reductase, a critical enzyme for bacterial survival. Many important components were identified and quantified with the help of subsequent GC-MS and HPTLC analysis. Among them, capsaicinoids were found to be the most prevalent. GC-MS results showed nonadecane (21.28%), 1-dimethyl(phenyl)silyloxypentane (14.53%), capsaicin (13.55%) and 2-pentanone, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl- (11.42%) were the most prevalent. HPTLC report showed capsaicin was 0.833 mg/g of fresh weight of Naga chilli. This study showed good docking scores for some of the constituents, particularly capsaicin, indicating that this plant is a good candidate for antimicrobial activity. This activity of the extract confirms the docking results, which needs to be in focus for further antimicrobial drug development.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants and their threats in Yeki district, Southwestern Ethiopia

BackgroundEthiopia is recognized as a significant center of origin for a wide variety of plant species, particularly those with medicinal properties. A substantial segment of the population across the nation depends on these therapeutic plants for their primary healthcare needs. Many communities, both rural and urban, engage in traditional medicine practices, passing down their knowledge orally from one generation to the next. Consequently, this study was undertaken to record the traditional medicinal plants and the related indigenous knowledge in the Yeki district of Southwest Ethiopia.MethodsBetween March 2024 and August 2024, semi-structured interviews, in-person meetings, group discussions, and escorted field trips were used to gather quantitative ethnobotanical data. A total of 132 informants 100 men and 32 women were interviewed in order to gather ethnobotanical data. The informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), plant part value, preference ranking, and direct matrix ranking were among the quantitative techniques that were employed. Furthermore, the study used a variety of statistical tests, such as independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, correlation, and regression with R software version 4.3.2, to compare the ethnobotanical knowledge of various informant groups.ResultA total of 98 species of traditional medicinal plants from 81 genera and 45 plant families were identified in the current study. The Asteraceae (11 species) were the largest family used by local peoples, followed by Solanaceae (8 species). The most commonly used plant parts were leaves and roots, and the primary technique for making remedies was crushing. The respiratory systems disease categories had the second highest consensus score (ICF: 0.90), after the dermal disease category (ICF: 0.91). The number of medicinal plants reported by respondents across gender, age groups, educational level, and informant’s type varied significantly (P < 0.05). Various medicinal species can be found in the area’s vegetation, but they are threatened by deforestation, agricultural extension, firewood, modernization, IAS, charcoal production, and material culture.ConclusionThe results highlight the extensive variety of medicinal plants and the accompanying traditional knowledge present in the Guraferda district. The elevated ethnobotanical indices justify the need for additional phytochemical and pharmacological research. It is advisable to implement integrated conservation strategies to tackle the challenges confronting these precious plant resources.

The Healthy Oral Microbiome: A Changing Ecosystem throughout the Human Lifespan.

Microorganisms have co-evolved with a variety of plants and animals, developing complex symbiotic relationships with their hosts and the environment. The diversity of symbionts acquired over time help their hosts to adapt, survive, and evolve more rapidly and efficiently, improving fitness across the lifespan. Understanding these synergistic relationships between humans and their endogenous microbiota may provide valuable information on human physiology and on potential mechanisms associated with the onset of diseases. This review summarizes current data on the composition and functionality of the predominant taxa of the healthy oral microbiome across different ages and habitats within the oral cavity, critically pointing out the inconsistency of methodologies for microbiological analysis and what still needs to be validated. We discuss how early acquisition and establishment of the oral microbiome are influenced by factors such as delivery type and feeding practices, and how adolescence marks a phase of significant shifts in the oral taxa due to hormonal and behavioral transitions. During adulthood, the healthy oral microbiome may acquire multistable signatures, shaped by genetic and environmental factors, while minor changes in core microorganisms are observed in the healthy aging populations. Overall, evidence shows that the oral microbiome is a complex ecosystem, continuously modulated by several factors, since its early acquisition through adulthood and into old age. Fluctuations do happen, but a resilient core community will persist over time in most humans to maintain homeostasis. Future challenges of microbiome research will rely on our ability to define multiple age-related healthy oral microbiomes across populations, so that oral dysbiosis can be detected and managed in advance. In this context, standardization of data acquisition and analysis, as well as improvements in multidisciplinary clinical diagnosis of oral health, must be pursued for a better comprehension of the balanced host-microbiome interaction.

Traditional Uses, Bioactive Compounds, and New Findings on Pharmacological, Nutritional, Cosmetic and Biotechnology Utility of Capsella bursa-pastoris.

Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. (shepherd's purse) is a medicinal plant recently introduced to European Pharmacopoeia. The main active compounds responsible for the activity profile of the raw material are flavonoids, phenolic acids, amino acids, phytosterols, vitamins and bioelements. This species is known for its properties supporting the functioning of the digestive system and antihemorrhagic properties in the ethnomedicine of Far Eastern countries. Modern research confirms these directions of activity. Additionally, the latest studies prove the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, acetylcholinesterase and anticancer properties and supportive action in the treatment of gynecological diseases. Shepherd's purse herb also has a strong position as an edible plant due to the growing interest in this plant as "healthy food". The protective, softening, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of sprout and herb extracts are useful in the production of modern cosmetics. Moreover, C. bursa-pastoris is valuable thanks to phytoremediation properties and the numerous practical uses in biotechnology for the creation of new resistant varieties of crop plants from the Brassicaceae family.

Regulatory Mechanism of Exogenous ABA on Gibberellin Signaling and Antioxidant Responses in Rhododendron chrysanthum Pall. Under UV-B Stress.

In the present work, we examined the effects of exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) under ultraviolet B (UV-B) exposure on gibberellin (GA) production, signaling, and antioxidant-related genes in Rhododendron chrysanthum Pall (R. chrysanthum). Using transcriptomics, acetylated proteomics, and widely targeted metabolomics, the effects of UV-B stress on R. chrysanthum and the regulatory effects of exogenous ABA on it were revealed from multiple perspectives. The findings revealed that R. chrysanthum's antioxidant enzyme genes were differentially expressed by UV-B radiation and were substantially enriched in the glutathione metabolic pathway. Exogenous ABA supplementation boosted plant resistance to UV-B damage and further enhanced the expression of antioxidant enzyme genes. Furthermore, under UV-B stress, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and L-ascorbate peroxidase were found to be the primary antioxidant enzymes controlled by exogenous ABA. In addition, gibberellin content was altered due to UV-B and exogenous ABA treatments, with greater effects on GA3 and GA53. The acetylation proteomics study's outcomes disclosed that the three main oxidative enzymes' acetylation modifications were dramatically changed during UV-B exposure, which may have an impact on the antioxidant enzymes' functions and activities. The protective impact of exogenous ABA and gibberellin on R. chrysanthum's photosynthetic system was further established by measuring the parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence. This research offers a theoretical foundation for the development of breeding highly resistant plant varieties as well as fresh insights into how hormone levels and antioxidant systems are regulated by plants in response to UV-B damage.

Urban Greening and Pollen Allergy: Balancing Health and Environmental Sustainability.

Urban living requires a careful balance between human health and environmental sustainability when selecting urban vegetation. Public gardens and green roofs offer significant environmental benefits, including air filtration, exposure to health-associated microbiota, and mitigation of the urban heat island effect. However, prioritizing allergy-friendly species is crucial to prevent the exacerbation of pollen allergies. This review highlights three primary criteria for selecting vegetation that supports these ecosystem services while minimizing allergy risks. Firstly, reducing the use of many wind-pollinated plants, such as birch trees and grasses, is crucial due to their high pollen production and cross-reactivity with other species, which can exacerbate allergies. In contrast, insect-pollinated plants are generally safer for allergy sufferers. Secondly, cultivating multispecies plant communities with minimal maintenance supports habitats for microbiota and invertebrates, further providing ecosystem services. Lastly, balancing plant gender ratios in urban spaces can help control pollen levels. Together these criteria provide a framework for urban planners to create green spaces that are both environmentally beneficial and allergy friendly. Although this review focuses on European data, the principles discussed have global relevance, reinforcing the need to integrate environmental sustainability with public health considerations in urban planning. Future studies should also investigate the health impacts of plant volatile emissions, explore heat-resistant plant varieties, and assess the ecological risks of invasive species to support sustainable, allergy-friendly urban environments.

Lawful Coexistence of Similar Names of a Plant Variety and a PDO

Lawful Coexistence of Similar Names of a Plant Variety and a PDO

Morphological Characterization of Horsegram Genotypes (Macrotyloma uniflorum L. Lam)

Under the provisions of New Seed Policy and the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Act, 2001, all newly developed varieties have to be registered based on the criteria of Novelty, Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (NDUS) information helps in easy identification of horsegram genotype for each other. In the present study breeder seeds of 24 horse gram genotypes were obtained from pulse breeder, Agricultural Research Station Bailhongal and Regional Agricultural Research Station, Vijayapur for conducting the field experiment at Saidapur Farm University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. The present study was carried out to have information on morphological distinctness of 24 horse gram genotypes for plant height, number of branches, seed coat, flower colour, pod colour, number days taken for pod initiation and pod maturity. All the horsegram genotypes under study were distinguished based on the morphological traits such as days to fifty percent flowering, pod colour and seed coat colour. Among the them seed coat colour and pod colour were most important morphological characters in distinguishing horsegram genotypes as they were least affected by environmental factors. The genotypes differing for. morphological traits serve as markers for maintenance, multiplication and seed certification and also serve as diverse parent for further breeding programe.

Changes in Plant Genetic Resources in the Southeast Region of Poland from the 1980s to 2023

This paper presents data from sixteen collecting missions conducted over three decades (2000–2023) in the Lubelskie Voivodeship, located in Southeastern Poland. During these missions, 756 samples of functional plants were collected, along with accompanying species such as weeds, crop wild relatives, ornamental plants, spice plants, and grafts of fruit trees. These materials were compared with those collected during six expeditions in two earlier decades (1980–1999), which resulted in the collection of 665 genotypes. The samples were primarily obtained from local farmers or gathered directly from fields. This study aims to summarise and compare the results of the collecting missions across decades. The analysis indicates that the Lubelskie region remains a place where old varieties of annual vegetable plants, rare weed species (on a national scale), crop wild relatives, and old varieties of fruit trees can still be found. However, old cereal varieties have nearly disappeared. The collected materials were characterised and stored as a base collection under long-term storage conditions at the Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute—National Research Institute. Vegetable plant materials were deposited in the active collection at the National Institute of Horticultural Research (INHORT). Fruit tree collections were also deposited at INHORT, as well as in the Botanical Garden of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Poland.

Effects of Brassinosteroid on the Physiological Changes on Two Varieties of Tea Plants Under Salt Stress.

Salt stress is one of the abiotic stresses affecting crop quality and yield, and the application of exogenous brassinosteroids (BRs) can be used in response to salt stress. However, the function of BR in tea plants under salt stress remains to be elucidated. This study investigated the effects of exogenous spraying of BR on the malondialdehyde, soluble sugar, soluble protein, and antioxidant enzyme activities in tea plants under salt stress and explored the expression changes in genes related to the synthesis pathways of proline and secondary metabolites (flavonoids and theanine). The results show that 200 mM NaCl solution inhibits the physiology of tea plants, but 0.2 mg/L BR could partially reduce the damage by increasing photosynthetic pigments, osmoregulatory substances (such as soluble sugar, soluble protein, and proline), and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (including peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase), while decreasing the malondialdehyde content in salt-stressed leaves. The qRT-PCR experiment also shows that the genes related to the synthesis pathways of proline and secondary metabolites (flavonoids and theanine) were upregulated under salt stress, and the proline degradation genes were downregulated, thus promoting the accumulation of proline under salt stress in both varieties. When tea plants were subjected to salt stress, the expression of genes related to the synthesis of secondary metabolites was regulated accordingly to resist salt stress. Moreover, spraying BR had an obvious effect on improving the salt tolerance of tea plants. Therefore, exploring a way to improve the salt tolerance of tea trees provides a reference for the subsequent study of its salt tolerance mechanism, which is of great significance for expanding the introduction area of tea trees, increasing the planting area of tea trees, and improving the yield and quality of tea.

Sugar Transport and Signaling in Shoot Branching.

The source-sink relationship is critical for proper plant growth and development, particularly for vegetative axillary buds, whose activity shapes the branching pattern and ultimately the plant architecture. Once formed from axillary meristems, axillary buds remain dormant or become active to grow into new branches. This transition is notably driven by the regulation of the bud sink strength, which is reflected in the ability to unload, metabolize and store photoassimilates. Plants have so far developed two main mechanisms for unloading sugars (sucrose) towards sink organs, a symplasmic pathway and an apoplasmic pathway, but so far limited investigations have been reported about the modes of sugar uptake during the transition from the dormant to the active outgrowth state of the bud. The available data indicate that the switch from dormant bud to active outgrowing state, requires sugar and is shortly preceded by an increase in bud metabolic activity and a remobilization of the stem starch reserves in favor of growing buds. This activation of the bud sink strength is accompanied by an up-regulation of the main markers of apoplasmic unloading, such as sugar transporters (sucrose transporters-SUTs; sugar will eventually be exported transporters-SWEETs), sucrose hydrolyzing enzymes (cell wall invertase-CWINV) and sugar metabolic pathways (glycolysis/tricarboxylic cycle-TCA; oxidative pentose phosphate pathway-OPPP). As these results are limited to a few species, they are not sufficient to provide a complete and accurate picture of the mode(s) of sugar unloading toward axillary buds and deserve to be complemented by additional studies in a wide variety of plants using systems integration, combining genetic, molecular and immunolocalization approaches. Altogether, we discuss here how sugar is a systemic regulator of shoot branching, acting both as an energy-rich molecule and a signaling entity in the establishment of the bud sink strength.

Research on the Rules of Right Restriction under the Protection Regulations for New Varieties of Plants: Taking Farmers' Own Seed Saving as an Example

The protection of intellectual property for the new varieties of plants aligns with the needs of contemporary development, yet it also creates conflicts with the traditional practices of farmers who save their own seeds. Farmers' right to save their own seeds is a natural entitlement, and the clash between the public interest in this practice and the rights associated with new plant varieties remains a derivative issue of the intellectual property enclosure movement. The starting point of the problem lies in reconciling the private nature of intellectual property rights with public interests, while its resolution depends on the adaptation of limitations and exceptions within intellectual property law. Under the protection of intellectual property rights for new plant varieties, farmers face difficulties in determining reasonable boundaries for seed saving. At the legal level, it is necessary to recognize the legitimacy of farmers’ seed-saving practices and reasonably define such activities; at the practical level, it is feasible to incorporate relevant systems from copyright law, establish a compensation mechanism, and set up collective management organizations for seed-saving fees to rebalance the interests of relevant parties.

Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) Characterization Using Morphological Traits of Little Millet

A research study for 50 accessions of little millet germplasm was carried out for DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability) descriptors encompassing both qualitative and quantitative traits. The assessment adhered to guidelines from the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) and the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmer's Rights Authority (PPV &amp; FRA). The findings underscored substantial diversity among the germplasm accessions across all evaluated characteristics. This suggests a significant genetic diversity in the morphological profile of little millet germplasm. The outcomes of this study are valuable for breeders, researchers, and farmers in identifying and selecting germplasm accessions for crop enhancement. Additionally, they contribute to the conservation of beneficial genes and facilitate the pursuit of protection under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmer's Rights Act.

Exploring Microgravity’s Effect on Seed Germination and Growth of Plants

The study of the effects of microgravity on plant cells has gained significant attention, especially in the context of space experiments, which necessitates a comprehensive understanding of plant growth and development in altered gravitational conditions. Understanding the impact of microgravity on seed germination, seedling establishment, and overall plant development is essential for future space agriculture and the development of sustainable food production systems. In microgravity, plants encounter unique physical and physiological challenges, making it essential to explore the physiological and biochemical responses of plant cells to this environment. Various factors contribute to the alterations observed in plant behavior under microgravity, including changes in water and nutrient distribution, disruptions in hormone signaling, and modifications in the expression of secondary metabolites. Physiological and biochemical in plants due to microgravity caused by the influence on the phytochrome system, gas exchange photosynthesis, and the production of secondary metabolites. Microgravity affects mechanocellular responses of plants which elucidates how the absence of gravity can disrupt cytoplasmic streaming, impact cell wall rigidity, and cause damage to cell membranes. These alterations in plant cell behavior under microgravity conditions can have profound implications for plant growth and development. Space farming faces challenges and constraints of cultivating plants in space, such as managing water distribution, temperature fluctuations, and radiation exposure, are addressed. Innovative methods for planting crops in space, including plant pillows, greenhouse cultivation, and soil-less systems, are discussed. In the future, research efforts should focus on selecting or genetically modifying plant varieties with enhanced tolerance to the diverse stress encountered in space environments. Thus, it is concluded that space farming underscores the importance of comprehensive studies on plant responses to microgravity, offering valuable insights for both space exploration and terrestrial agriculture.

Medicinal plants traditionally used by the rural Kimalalu people in the municipality of Songo (Uíge province), Northern Angola

Herbal medicine is an important age-old tradition in Angola and forms part of the socio-cultural heritage of both the rural and urban population. In Kimalalu (northern Angola), phytotherapy continues to be used in the treatment of human illnesses, because of its low cost, accessibility, availability and acceptability. The aim of this study was to document the medicinal plants used to treat human illnesses in Kimalalu. Data were collected randomly from informants through semi-structured interviews and field observations. Ethnobotanical indices such as the relative frequency of citations were calculated. A total of 72 medicinal plant species beloning to 35 botanical families used for the treatment of 59 human diseases have been documented. The most abundant taxa were from the Fabaceae family, with 8 species (11.3%), and treated 17 human diseases. The leaves (62.5%) are the main plant organs used in the galinic preparation. Shrubs (31%) are the greatest life forms of documented plants. Decoction (50%) and oral intake (56.21) are the dominant used methods of preparation and administration, respectively. The most frequently cited illnesses were low haemoglobin (anaemia), followed by yellow fever, stomach ache, cough, typhoid fever, diarrhoea and malaria. Kimalalu is home to a wide variety of medicinal plants. It is therefore necessary to put in place policies and practices to conserve medicinal plants and the traditional knowledge associated with them. Local communities must be involved in the conservation and management of plant resources and their indigenous knowledge.

Early Neolithic plant exploitation in north-western China: archaeobotanical evidence from Beiliu

China was a centre for early plant domestication, millets in the north and rice in the south, with both crops then spreading widely. The Laoguantai Culture (c. 8000–7000 BP) of the middle Yellow River region encompasses a crucial stage in the transition from hunting and gathering to farming, yet its subsistence basis is poorly understood. The authors present archaeobotanical data from the site of Beiliu indicating that farmers exploited a variety of wild and cultivated plants. The predominance of broomcorn millet accords with other Neolithic cultures in northern China but the presence of rice—some of the earliest directly dated examples—opens questions about the integration of rice cultivation into local subsistence strategies.

Construction and Characterization of a Full-Length Infectious cDNA Clone of a Strain of Watermelon Mosaic Virus Isolated from Melon.

Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV), a member of the genus Potyvirus, causes serious economic losses in cucurbit crops. For molecular biological studies of viruses, it is necessary to construct an infectious clone that can facilitate gene functional analysis. In this study, we constructed an infectious cDNA clone of WMV genomic RNA by Gibson assembly and evaluated its virulence and symptoms on a variety of host plants. A WMV isolate (WMV-IS-me2) collected from melon in Iksan, Jeonbuk Province, Korea in 2015 caused mosaic symptoms on leaves. Four overlapping PCR fragments of the full-length genome of this isolate and the pJL89 binary vector with overhanging ends of 40 bp were amplified by reverse transcription PCR and joined in a single isothermal reaction. The complete nucleotide sequence of the infectious cDNA clone of WMV was determined and the recombinant vector was transformed into Agrobacterium tumefaciens GV3101. Following agro-infiltration, an infectious clone (pWMV-M, KACC95145P) systemically induced mosaic symptoms on watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), zucchini (Cucurbita pepo), melon (Cucumis melo), and Nicotiana benthamiana plants. This infectious clone may be useful for screening cucurbit varieties resistant to WMV, as well as for studying viral gene function.

The occurrence of digenean trematodes in some cyprinid fish from Belchishta Wetland (Macedonia)

Abstract. Belchishta Wetland is the biggest wetland ecosystem in Macedonia and hosts a variety of plant and animal species. Belchishta Wetland is included in the Emerald National Network of R.N. Macedonia and is suggested for nomination as a Natura 2000 site. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of digenean trematodes, as well as their prevalence and intensity of infestation in some cyprinid fish from Belchishta Wetland. During the parasitological investigations on the intestinal tract of some cyprinid fish species (chub - Squalius squalus; Ohrid minnow - Pelasgus minutus, and minnow - Phoxinus lumaireul) from Belchishta wetland, 3 species of digenean trematodes were established, as follows: Allocreadium isoporum was found in chub (Squalius squalus) with the prevalence of 9.09 % and intensity of infestation 1.50; Plaigioporus stefanskii was found in Ohrid minnow (Pelasgus minutus) with the prevalence of 9.52%, and intensity of infestation 2.00; and Pseudochetosoma salmonicola was found in minnow (Phoxinus lumaireul) with the prevalence of 10.00% and intensity of infestation 2.00. The total prevalence in all cyprinid fish amounts to 9.33%. Findings of all digenean trematodes represent a first record for the parasite fauna of fish from Belchishta Wetland, while Plaigioporus stefanskii and Pseudochetosoma salmonicola are found for the first time in Macedonian waters.

Effect of Certain Barley Plant Varieties on Population Abundance of Some Piercing–Sucking Insects

Effect of Certain Barley Plant Varieties on Population Abundance of Some Piercing–Sucking Insects