Vegetative Parts Research Articles

Reinstatement of the name Petalidium ovatum (Acanthaceae), with an amplified description of the species

The name Petalidium ovatum is reinstated and an amplified description is provided for a species of Petalidium confined to Namibia. Petalidium ovatum used to be treated as a synonym of the widespread P. englerianum, but morphological characters support the reinstatement. Petalidium ovatum is a range-restricted species, only known from the Khorixas-Bergsig area in the Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, northwestern Namibia, where it grows on arid hillsides and along ephemeral riverbeds and drainage lines. Diagnostic characters for P. ovatum include the pale grey, often almost white, appearance of the plants, vegetative parts with a dense white indumentum of both stellate and dendritic trichomes, flowers borne in short few-flowered dichasia, bracts oblanceolate with apices acute or obtuse, and bracteoles widely ovate. The flowers of P. ovatum are distinctive in having the anterior corolla lobe partly or completely yellow, the others burgundy, and with the two upper lobes connate towards the base for almost half their length. A comparison of some of the more prominent morphological features to differentiate Petalidium ovatum from P. englerianum, its morphologically most similar relative, is provided. Based on IUCN Red List categories and criteria, a conservation assessment of Least Concern (LC) is recommended for the reinstated species.

Obtention and Study of Polyurethane-Based Active Packaging with Curcumin and/or Chitosan Additives for Fruits and Vegetables-Part I: Analysis of Morphological, Mechanical, Barrier, and Migration Properties.

Several polyurethane-formulated films with curcumin and/or chitosan additives for food packaging have been previously obtained. The study examines the effect of the additives on the film's morphological, mechanical, barrier, and migration properties. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water contact angle, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TGA and DTGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), oxygen transmission rate (OTR), water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), and the overall and specific migration tests were conducted. The results show that the presence of chitosan significantly increased the overall migration and mechanical properties, such as the elongation at break, tensile strength, and Young's modulus of most polyurethane formulations, while curcumin had a minor influence on the mechanical performance. Based on the results, formulations with curcumin but without chitosan are suitable for food packaging.

Investigation of the effects of mineral elements on flower coloration of plants growing in different habitats (limestone, serpentine, gypsum).

In this study, 25 plant species growing in different habitats in Erzincan province were studied with gypsum (Ebenus macrophylla, Gypsophila lepidioides, Linum flavum, Onobrychis nitida, Paracaryum stenolophum, Psephellus recepii, Tanacetum heterotomum, Verbascum alyssifolium), limestone (Alkanna megacarpa, Alyssum sibiricum, Anthemis sp., Astragalus sp., Chrysophthalmum montanum, Ebenus laguroides, Genista aucheri, Pelargonium endlicherianum, Stachys sparsipilosa), or serpentine (Artedia squamata, Consolida olopetala, Convolvulus pseudoscammania, Erysimum pulchellum, Fumana aciphylla, Gladiolus halophilus, Hypericum thymbrifolium, Salvia indica). Within the scope of the study, element concentrations were determined in plants with different flower colors (yellow, purple-blue-pink, white) and in the soils where they grow. Our goal was to assess whether there were differences in mineral element concentrations within plants from these different areas and whether those differences (if they existed) led to changes in plant morphology, specifically flower coloration. The flowers, leaves and root parts of the collected plants and the soils of the habitats where they grow were pre-treated in the laboratory. Mineral element concentrations in the prepared samples were determined by ICP-MS. Plant and soil data obtained were statistically evaluated, and the differences between the habitats were determined. It was observed that there were differences in terms of mineral elements in the generative and vegetative parts of the plant and these differences impacted flower color; these coloration differences in plants from other areas might be used to indicate the presence of potentially important minerals.

Differential Expression of Oman’s Wild Lavender, Lavandula subnuda for Chemical Composition towards Medicinal and Aromatic Application

Plants have been used directly or indirectly as medicines for over 5000 years as a source of antibiotics, antineoplastics, analgesics, and cardio-protective, among others. Approximately 70–90% of the population in developing countries continue to use ancient medicines based on plant extracts for treatment. Recently, the isolation and identification of biologically active compounds and molecules from nature have led to the discovery of new therapeutics, prompting the improvement of the health and pharmaceutical sectors. Phytochemicals revolve around the pharmaceutical industry's research and development (R&D) sector as a source of new molecules leading to the development of new novel drugs. Given the above, the present investigation addresses the differential nature of wild lavender (Lavandula subnuda Benth) plants of diverse locations in Oman with respect to their chemical composition of the essential oil in addition to morphological characters and chlorophyll contents of leaves to explore the possibility of isolating its prime chemical compounds on a commercial scale in perfumery industry. There are no previous studies so far who have reported on essential oil recovery and chemical composition exclusively in respect of Lavandula subnuda. Composite samples of ten randomly selected plants were collected from wadi habitats of four diversified locations. Edaphic features of managed sites were recorded, and their soil chemical contents were determined following instructions using S1 Titan/Tracer 5/CTX equipment of Bruker developed based on energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). Morphological traits were measured using a ruler, and chlorophyll contents were recorded using the atLEAF CHL Plus chlorophyll meter as atLEAF values. The essential oil was extracted using ETHO X's advanced microwave extraction system and analyzed for chemical compounds using GC-MS analysis on Shimadzu GC-2010 Plus gas chromatograph. The experimental data were analyzed statistically, wherever required, by applying basic statistics of the EXCEL -16 version. The results indicated that in general, the Lavandula subnuda plants of locations of high altitudes had higher expressivity in all the morphological traits and chlorophyll contents than those of low altitudes. The essential oil recovery, however, was found to be higher from the plant samples of lower altitudes (0.70 to 0.79% (w/w)) than from those of higher mountains/ altitudes (0.15 to 0.18% (w/w)). The pattern of values of commonly occurring chemical contents of essential oils was different. Each essential oil's top ten chemical compounds contributed about 80% of the total in four locations. Of the ten top chemical compounds, eight compounds, namely D-Germacrene (42.67%) from Wadi Al-Khod, Estragole (32%) and Linalool (23.89%) from Wadi Halban), trans-Borneol (23.46%) and 4-Terpineol (18.73%) from Wadi Najd Al-Waqba and Kessane (18.60%), beta-cis-Caryophyllene (13.68%) and beta-Elemene (10.618%) from Wadi Al-Hayul, were found highest in quantity and had huge potential for further application. It is concluded that there exists a higher possibility of adapting Good Agriculture Practice (GAP) to produce the highest herbage yield of vegetative parts of Lavandula subnuda plants based on morphological features under wild conditions to extract these compounds on a commercial scale in both the pharmaceutical and perfumery industries.
 Keywords: Morphology, Chlorophyll, Chemical compounds, Differential Expression, Lavandula subnuda,, Lamiaceae

3D printing of mycelium engineered living materials using a waste-based ink and non-sterile conditions

There is an urgent need to change the way society produces and fabricates materials. Among the sustainable processes developed to date, 3D printing enables limited generation of waste. Living materials that are grown by microorganisms are also an interesting approach to fabricate biodegradable materials sustainably. 3D printing of living materials is nevertheless challenged by a high barrier to entry due to stringent sterilization requirements. In this study, the authors use a waste ingredient, coffee grounds, to fabricate mycelium materials using 3D printing in ambient conditions. Mycelium is the vegetative parts of the fungi which forms an interconnected network, covering air-material interfaces with a dense skin. An agar gel was chosen as the printing medium and supplemented with coffee grounds, malt and peptone to double the growth rate and density of the mycelium by Pleurotus ostreatus. Despite the jelly nature of the agar-based ink, 3D printing with a resolution of about 1 mm could be achieved using direct ink writing. The growth of the mycelium embedded in the ink was studied over 28 days and demonstrated that the mycelium was efficient in reinforcing the printed part, doubling its compressive modulus up to 60 kPa. Furthermore, the objects created by this ink exhibit self-healing and can be used for gluing components together. The approach taken in this work could be adapted by the user to accommodate for functionality requirements and the available local resources, thereby addressing some of the most pressing sustainable development goals.

Cytogenotoxicity evaluation of heavy metals detected in extracts and infusion of Baccharis trimera, potential bioaccumulator plant

ABSTRACT Heavy metals (HMs) are natural components of the Earth’s crust that might originate from natural and anthropogenic sources. In excess quantities, the presence of these metals is harmful for both environment and human health. Taking this into account, various investigators examined bioaccumulator species in order to reduce environmental toxicity, among these Baccharis trimera. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the capacity of B. trimera to bioaccumulate HMs and assess consequent cytogenotoxicity following exposure. B. trimera vegetative parts were collected from two groups (1) control, in which plants were cultivated in soil exposed to distilled water, and (2) exposed, in which plants were cultivated in soil exposed to HMs including manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), and chromium (Cr). HMs were quantified in cultivation soil and extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) as well as infusion of B. trimera vegetative parts. Root lengths and cytogenotoxic effects were determined using Allium cepa test. Results demonstrated that all HMs studied were absorbed and bioaccumulated by B. trimera. Root lengths were decreased when exposed to ethanolic extract of B. trimera cultivated in soil exposed to HMs solution, which was the extract that exhibited the highest cytogenotoxicity values. Thus, data demonstrated that B. trimera might serve as a bioaccumulator for the reduction of environmental toxicity associated with the presence of certain HMs.

Pseudomonas fluorescens and L-tryptophan application triggered the phytoremediation potential of sunflower (Heliantus annuus L.) in lead-contaminated soil.

Lead, a toxic heavy metal present in soil, hampers biological activities and affects the metabolism of plants, animals, and human beings. Its higher concentration may disturb the various physio-chemical processes, which result in stunted and poor plant growth. An interactive approach of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and L-tryptophan can be used to mitigate the lethal effects of lead. A pot experiment was conducted, and two weeks before sowing, the level of lead (300 mg kg-1) was maintained by spiking the PbCl2 salt. Pseudomonas fluorescens and L-tryptophan were applied individually as well as in combination to segregate the effect of both in contaminated soil under a completely Randomized Design (CRD). Statistical analysis revealed that plant growth was significantly reduced up to 22% due to lead contamination. However, the interactive approach of PGPR and L-tryptophan significantly improved the plant growth, physiology, and yield with relative productive index (RPI) under a lead-stressed environment. Moreover, integrated use of PGPR and L-tryptophan demonstrated a considerable increase (22%) in lead removal efficiency (LRE) by improving bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) for shoot without increasing the lead concentration in achenes. The reduced lead concentration in achene was due to its immobilization in shoot and root by negatively charged particles and improved the lead sequestration in vegetative parts which abridged the translocation of lead into achenes.

Phytochemical Screening, in vitro Anti-bacterial, and Antioxidant Efficacy of Solanum virginianum L. Aerial Vegetative Parts Extracted in Four Solvents

Phytochemical Screening, in vitro Anti-bacterial, and Antioxidant Efficacy of Solanum virginianum L. Aerial Vegetative Parts Extracted in Four Solvents

PSIV-21 Comparing the Nutritional Value and the Trade-Off Between Sugars and Starch of Male-Sterile with Non-Sterile Sorghum Hybrids

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess the effect male-sterile versus non-sterile sorghum hybrids on nutritional value with emphasis on carbohydrates. The experiment was conducted on a dairy farm in West Texas under center pivot irrigation. Two male-sterile (Non-BMR, F465; and BMR12, F430) and three non-sterile sorghum hybrids (non-BMR F10; BMR12, F382, and F431; Richardson Seeds) were used in a split-plot design to reduce cross-pollination. Because of westerly prevailing winds, male-sterile hybrids were allocated to the west and non-sterile hybrids to the east, plots were blocked by irrigation section, and replicated 3 times. Plots were harvested 148 days after seeding with non-sterile hybrids after the hard dough stage and male-sterile hybrids 7 weeks after boot stage and harvested with a self-propelled forage harvester with a theoretical length of cut of 12 mm and roll gap setting at 2 mm. Duplicate samples of freshly chopped forage were obtained from each plot and immediately placed into a cooler with ice until harvest was completed. Samples were then frozen until shipped to Rock River laboratory where near-infrared spectroscopy analysis was performed. In addition, water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and NDFD at 30h were analyzed with wet chemistry methods. The statistical analysis was performed using mixed linear regression models (GLIMMIX procedure of SAS). Type (Sterile and non-Sterile), trait (BMR12 and non-BMR) and its interaction were included as predictor variables in all models. Normal distribution of residuals was assessed using Shapiro-Wilk test (P > 0.05) and visual diagnostic of residual plots. A summary of the results is presented in Table 1. WSC was 2.5-fold greater for the sterile hybrids when compared with non-sterile, whereas starch was 2.2-fold greater for non-sterile when compared with sterile hybrids (P < 0.0001). Non-fiber carbohydrates were greater for non-sterile over sterile sorghum hybrids (P < 0.0001); however, non-sterile hybrids were past the optimal stage of harvest (soft dough), which would result in poor digestibility of grain starch and protein. In addition, crude protein (CP) was less for sterile than non-sterile (8.29% and 10.2% respectively; P < 0.0001). Compared with non-sterile hybrids, male sterile hybrids DM was decreased (28.4% and 40.8%, respectively; P < 0.0001) due to its proportionally greater vegetative plant parts compared with reproductive plant parts. The trade-off between WSC and starch in male-sterile sorghum hybrids is because sugars are not translocated to the grain where starch is developed as in non-sterile hybrids. This research indicates that concerns about low sorghum starch digestibility can be overcome by using male-sterile sorghum hybrids that will, at least partially, compensate for the reduced starch yield by increasing water-soluble carbohydrates storage.

МОРФОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ПРИЗНАКИ ВЕГЕТИРУЮЩИХ САЖЕНЦЕВ ТЕХНИЧЕСКИХ СОРТОВ ВИНОГРАДА СЕЛЕКЦИИ ВНИИВИВ ИМ. Я.И. ПОТАПЕНКО

Evaluation of morphological characteristics of vegetative grapevine seedlings of white-berry varieties of technical direction of use bred by ARRIV&W. Varietal phenotype description was made using the Test Method for Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability of Grapes (Vitis L.) and the OIV descriptor, a descriptive guide for cod-ing ampelographic traits and properties of any phenotypic individual of grapevine. Screening of morpho-biological traits was carried out in the conditions of the northern zone of viticulture (Rostov region). A description of the morpholog-ical characteristics of vegetative seedlings of the most common vine varieties resistant to biotic and abiotic environmental conditions, bred by ARRIV&W named after Ya.I. Potapenko − Pla-tovsky (ZHemchug Zala × Podarok Magaracha), Stanichny (Cvetochnyj × ZHemchug Zala), Cvetochnyj (Severnyj × muscat pollen blend of Muskat vengerskij, Muskat belyj, Muskat ale-ksandrijskij). The varieties are included in the State Register of Selection Achievements Ap-proved for Use. Grafted culture, rootstock Ber-landieri × Riparia Kober 5BB. Screening of mor-phological features of grafted vine seedlings was carried out with a shoot length of 50−70 cm. In accordance with the methodology, the main ob-jects of description were: the top of a young shoot, a shoot, a young leaf and a formed leaf. Using a morphological description of the vegeta-tive parts of growing seedlings, the identification of morphological features was carried out in ac-cordance with international requirements. The scientific novelty of the work is in the fact that the morphological features of vegetative vine seedlings associated with the varietal genotype are described. The information obtained as a re-sult of the assessment makes it possible to identi-fy the described vine varieties by morphological characteristics during the approbation of nursery to create pure-varietal plantations.

Phenological growth stages of biquinho pepper according to the BBCH scale

Biquinho pepper has been gaining prominence on the national scene because of its sweet taste and low pungency. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the phenological growth stages of biquinho pepper according to the BBCH scale. Based on this general scale, biquinho pepper showed 9 of the 10 principal stages (germination, leaf development, formation of side shoots, shoot development, development of the harvestable vegetative parts of the plant, flowering, fruit development, coloring or ripening of fruits and senescence). In addition, 25 secondary growth stages have also been described. The study will act as a tool for adoption of better crop management practices (nutrient management, irrigation scheduling, monitoring of management of pests and timely harvest of fruits).

Heather pollen is not necessarily a healthy diet for bumble bees

There is evidence that specialised metabolites of flowering plants occur in both vegetative parts and floral resources (i.e., pollen and nectar), exposing pollinators to their biological activities. While such metabolites may be toxic to bees, it may also help them to deal with environmental stressors. One example is heather nectar which has been shown to limit bumble bee infection by a trypanosomatid parasite, Crithidia sp., because of callunene activity. Besides in nectar, heather harbours high content of specialised metabolites in pollen such as flavonoids but they have been poorly investigated. In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of Crithidia sp., heather pollen and its flavonoids on bumble bees using non-parasitised and parasitised microcolonies fed either control pollen diet (i.e., willow pollen), heather pollen diet, or flavonoid-supplemented pollen diet. We found that heather pollen and its flavonoids significantly affected microcolonies by decreasing pollen collection as well as offspring production, and by increasing male fat body content while parasite exposure had no significant effect except for an increase in male fat body. We did not find any medicinal effect of heather pollen or its flavonoids on parasitised bumble bees. Our results provide insights into the impact of pollen specialised metabolites on heather-bumble bee-parasite interactions. They underline the contrasting roles of the two floral resources for bumble bees and emphasize the importance of considering both nectar and pollen when addressing medicinal effects of a plant for pollinators.

Unused portions of vegetables can void malnutrition: Production, acceptability, and nutritional analysis

Nutritional deficiency is a serious public health concern in many developing nations due to the high cost of food for those in lower socioeconomic classes. 1.3 billion tons of food are reportedly lost or wasted annually, beginning in the production phase and continuing into the consumer sector. Yet, worldwide, malnutrition-related problems claim the lives of 75% of youngsters. In Asia, including India, cauliflower, turnips, radishes, and peas are frequently consumed and grown in enormous amounts. However, the leaves and pods of these vegetables are normally discarded. They include large macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant-rich phenolic chemicals. In this study, unwanted vegetable parts—primarily leaves and pods—typically thrown away in trash cans were repurposed to create a product that can help the low-socioeconomic population overcome nutritional deficiencies. Many product varieties were made using unused turnips, radish, peas, and cauliflower leaves. The items with the best acceptability were those that were high in calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, phenol, and antioxidants. Therefore, it can be stated that the product, which was created utilizing an abandoned vegetable portion (leaves and pods), is nutrient-dense, affordable, and capable of addressing nutritional inadequacies.

Interactions between stoneworts (Charales) and waterbirds.

Stoneworts (Charales) are green algae that represent an important food resource for many waterbird species in Europe and elsewhere. Browsing avian herbivores (e.g. swan, goose, duck and coot species) consume Charales plant vegetative parts, by head-dipping, up-ending or diving. A lower fibre content and longer growing season may make Charales as attractive to such herbivores as sympatric submerged higher plant species in some circumstances. Charales respond to environmental stress (e.g. drought) by producing abundant diaspores, in the form of oospores (sexual) and bulbils (asexual), both rich in starch, generating abundant food for waterbirds at critical stages in their annual migratory cycles. Waterbirds feed on these by diving (e.g. common pochard Aythya ferina and red-crested pochard Netta rufina) or by filtering from the water column (e.g. dabbling duck species), ensuring dispersal of sexually produced and vegetative diaspores locally (because of predator swamping) and remotely (through endo- and ectozoochorous dispersal by long-distance migratory waterbirds). Greater invertebrate density and diversity associated with Charales canopies enhances their attractiveness over other submerged macrophyte beds to diving predators [e.g. tufted duck Aythya fuligula, common pochard and Eurasian coot Fulica atra (hereafter coot)]. Fish fry preying on these invertebrates use such vegetation as predator cover, in turn providing prey for avian piscivores such as grebes and cormorants. Abundant Charales contribute to maintaining a transparent water column due to canopy density, nutrient effects, dampening of sedimentation/remobilisation of suspended matter and nutrients and allelopathic effects on other plants (especially phytoplankton). Shallow, relatively eutrophic waters can flip between clear-water high-biodiversity (where Charales thrive) and turbid species-poor depauperate stable states (lacking Charales). Shifts between turbid conditions and rich submerged Charales beds have profound elevating effects on aquatic diversity, to which waterbirds show rapid aggregative responses, making them ideal indicator species of ecological change; in the case of Charales specialists (such as red-crested and common pochard), indicators of the presence and abundance of these plants. Large-bodied colonial nesting birds (e.g. cormorants, gulls, heron and egrets) aggregating along lake shores contribute high N and P loadings to water bodies sensitive to such external and internal inputs and can cause local eutrophication and potential loss of Charales. Despite variation from complete seasonal removal of Charales biomass to undetectable grazing effects by herbivorous birds, evidence suggests little effect of avian grazing on biomass accumulation or the stability of community composition (under otherwise stable conditions), but we urge more research on this under-researched topic. We also lack investigations of the relative foraging profitability of different Charales organs to waterbirds and the degree of viability of gyrogonites (fertilised and calcified oospores), vegetative bulbils and plant fragments after passage through the guts of waterbirds. We especially need to understand better how much the carbonate armour of these organs affects their viability/dispersal via waterbirds and urge more research on these neglected plants and their relationships and interactions with other organisms in the aquatic biota.

A Morphological Study of Some Silene L. Species of Caryophyllaceae family in Iraq

The current works included morphological features study (vegetative and floral parts) for five species of the genus Silene L., S. ampullata, S. chlorifolia, S. colorata, S. conoidea and S. longipetala belong to the family Caryophyllaceae, samples were collected from various areas of northern Iraq. Confirmation in the description was on the most critical parts of the plant, including the shape of the leaves, length, and shape of the calyx tube and venation, the modification shapes of coronal scales petals and appendages, anther ornamentation and structures of pistils. Images enhanced the morphological characteristics under study. Information on the locations and dates of the collection was also confirmed.

The concentrations of N, P, and K nutrients in the vegetative and fruiting parts and eggplant yield are affected by mineral fertilization and the locations where fertilizers are applied.

A field experiment was carried out in one of the farms in the district of Al-Suwaira-Wasit governorate for the 2021 agricultural season. To find out the effect of adding levels of NPK and the sites of addition on their concentrations in the vegetative and fruiting part and the productivity of the eggplant crop. The study included three levels of NPK and was given the symbols (C0, C1, and C2) and two places to add fertilizer 10 and 20 cm next to the plant, and they were given the symbols D2 and D1 sequentially. Six treatments were produced from the fertile levels, and the additional distances are C2D2, C2D1, C1D2, C1D1, C0D2, and C0D1; with three replications, experimental units become 18 units. A completely randomized block design (RCBD) was used to distribute treatments. The dry weight and root diameters of the plant were taken, and the NPK concentrations were estimated in the vegetative part at the end of the season, as well as the NPK concentrations in the fruiting part of the first and last fairies and the cumulative yield was taken. The results showed a significant effect of NPK levels on nitrogen and phosphorous concentrations in the vegetative and fruiting parts, while the effect was not significant on potassium concentration. The position of the fertilizer application did not significantly affect the concentration of NPK in the plant. The level of the second fertilization, C2, had a significant effect on the dry weight of the plant. Fertilization levels had a significant effect on root diameter and yield. Keywords: Mineral fertilization, application, NPK, eggplant.

Okra productivity and nutrient concentrations in the vegetative and fruiting parts as a result of mineral fertilization and fertilizer application sites

A field experiment was carried out in one of the farms in the district of Al-Suwaira-Wasit governorate for the 2021 agricultural season. To find out the effect of adding levels of NPK and the places of addition on their concentrations in the vegetative and fruiting part and the productivity of the okra crop. Six treatments were produced from the fertilizers levels, and the addition distances are C2D2, C2D1, C1D2, C1D1, C0D2, and C0D1. With three replications, experimental units become 18 units. A completely randomized block design (RCBD) was used to distribute treatments. The dry weight and root diameters of the plant were taken, and the NPK concentrations were estimated in the vegetative part at the end of the season, as well as the NPK concentrations in the fruiting part of the first and last fairies and the cumulative yield was taken. The results showed a significant effect of NPK levels on nitrogen and phosphorous concentrations in the vegetative and fruiting parts, while the effect was not significant on potassium concentration. The position of the fertilizer application did not significantly affect the concentration of NPK in the plant. The second level of fertilization, C2, had a significant effect on the dry weight of the plant, while the fertilization levels had no significant effect on the diameter of the roots. Fertilizer levels had a significant effect on yield. Keywords: mineral fertilization, application sites, NPK, okra.

ECOLOGICAL STRATEGIES OF PLANTS IN THE PROCESS OF RESTORATION OF DISRUPTED NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS OF UKRAINIAN POLISSIA

Tasks related to the restoration of disturbed natural ecosystems are of theoretical and practical importance. Traditional approaches to remediation are often utilitarian. We often observe that the natural processes of ecosystem restoration occur faster and with better quality than those carried out by humans under similar conditions. The purpose of our work is to investigate the role of plants that have different ecological strategies during the process of restoration of disturbed ecosystems. The following tasks were outlined to achieve this goal: to identify groups of plants with different ecological strategies involved in the restoration of natural vegetation; develop models of vegetation restoration using plants with different ecological strategies. The materials of our research are standard geobotanical descriptions made on the territory of Ukrainian Polissia in the period from 2004 to 2023. We consider environmental strategies more broadly than R. Whittaker, L. H. Ramensky, J. Grim and E. Pianki in their classic works. The ecological strategies of plants differ in the way of spreading and reproduction, as well as in the signs of fixation on the soil; by methods of energy reservation; changing the environment around itself. The rate of restoration of natural ecosystems, as well as their characteristics, depend on the configuration of the disturbed area, the substrate of its surface, and the adaptive strategies of the plants that fall on it. The classification of adaptive strategies of species that affect the process of restoration of natural ecosystems is formed on the basis of the variety of methods of reproduction and distribution of fruits and seeds of autotrophs, as well as the peculiarities of their energy distribution in the reproduction process. The change in ecological strategies of species is because ecosystems are dynamic systems, therefore, during primary successions; disturbed ecotopes are most successfully populated by patient species, and during secondary ones by explerent species and violent species. Plants penetrate the primary substrate with the help of seeds, spores, or vegetative organs (most often rhizomes). In the early stages of primary succession, the seeds and spores of patient species are the most successful – those with low competitiveness and can achieve reproductive and vegetative success outside the communities. The balance of the amount of energy of Polissia pioneer patients is often shifted from supporting the vegetative part of the body to its seeds. Species that spread to pioneer substrates using rhizomes do not have such a limitation because they share a common distribution of matter and energy with the pioneer part of the community. Those species on the primary substrate, having no competitors, actively photosynthesize and share carbohydrates, while those on the formed substrate and have many competitors for solar energy share water and mineral nutrients. Global climate changes, which lead to xerophytization of Polissia and warm winters with little snow, are becoming an obstacle to the rapid natural restoration of pine forest ecosystems in large areas of disturbed areas.

Secondary vegetation provides a reservoir of non-timber forest products and agroforestry service options for forestry plantation systems, Maputaland, South Africa

Tree species providing non-timber forest products (NTFPs) have the potential to enhance the socio-economic value of forestry plantation systems and mitigate biodiversity loss associated with production landscapes in Southern Africa. This can be accomplished by integrating NTFP agroforestry systems with forestry plantation systems but raises questions around which species and products are suited to the different environments that exist within large plantation systems or plantation landscapes. These questions can be answered by assessing the NTFP and agroforestry system (AFS) value of native species that form part of secondary vegetation within forestry plantations by shedding light on the disturbance regimes and environmental conditions that NTFP species prefer. This study assessed the NTFP value of secondary vegetation growing within abandoned clear-felled and abandoned unharvested forestry compartments. It addressed differences between the NTFP value of secondary vegetation and natural forest while providing options for how native species could be integrated into a forestry plantation system using agroforestry. We found that secondary vegetation growing in abandoned compartments provided roughly two-thirds of the NTFP uses provided by natural forest. The state of the compartment at the time of abandonment influenced which NTFPs were available. Secondary woodland developing in clear-felled compartments contained NTFPs which were associated with fire-adapted woodland species (e.g. fruit and oils from Marula trees). Naturalising forest in unfelled plantation compartments contained a composition of NTFPs associated with the provision of wood products. Our results show that native vegetation growing as secondary vegetation in forestry plantation systems has the potential to guide the development of native species agro-forestry systems and, in general, can contribute to a more formalised approach for integrating NTFP supply in forestry plantation systems.

Detection of gold particales in Fusarium oxysprum and Leaves,Stems of Brassica

The recently used the technology of biologically producing gold particles, although not much is known about it, its effect on the plant and its development, the extent of the plant’s ability to withdraw it from the growth medium, the mechanism of its transfer to the plant and its sedimentation within it, the percentages of its accumulation and its sizes, and how it affects the plant positively or negatively. The current study aimed to reveal Gold (Au) particles in the mycelium of Fusarium oxysporum, isolated from the soil of the fields of the Agricultural Technical College, Mosul, as well as in the vegetative parts of the Indian and wild variety of mustard plant. At a concentration of 6 ml and a size of 20.90 nm. As for the two cultivars of the mustard plant, 0.2% gold particles were found in it, while the leaves of the wild variety did not have precipitation of particles, and the particle size ranged from 20.90-776.73 nm. Particles were detected using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique and an EDX meter.