Warm Temperate Regions Research Articles

Biorefining Potential of Wild-Grown Arundo donax, Cortaderia selloana and Phragmites australis and the Feasibility of White-Rot Fungi-Mediated Pretreatments.

Arundo donax, Cortaderia selloana and Phragmites australis are high-biomass-producing perennial Poalean species that grow abundantly and spontaneously in warm temperate regions, such as in Mediterranean-type climates, like those of Southern Europe, Western United States coastal areas, or in regions of South America, South Africa and Australia. Given their vigorous and spontaneous growth, biomass from the studied grasses often accumulates excessively in unmanaged agro-forestry areas. Nonetheless, this also creates the demand and opportunity for the valorisation of these biomass sources, particularly their cell wall polymers, for biorefining applications. By contrast, a related crop, Miscanthus × giganteus, is a perennial grass that has been extensively studied for lignocellulosic biomass production, as it can grow on low-input agricultural systems in colder climates. In this study Fourier transform mid-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high-performance anion-exchange chromatography (HPAEC) and lignin content determinations were used for a comparative compositional characterisation of A. donax, C. selloana and P. australis harvested from the wild, in relation to a trial field-grown M. × giganteus high-yielding genotype. A high-throughput saccharification assay showed relatively high sugar release values from the wild-grown grasses, even with a 0.1M NaOH mild alkali pretreatment. In addition to this alkaline pretreatment, biomass was treated with white-rot fungi (WRF), which preferentially degrade lignin more readily than holocellulose. Three fungal species were used: Ganoderma lucidum, Pleurotus ostreatus and Trametes versicolor. Our results showed that neutral sugar contents are not significantly altered, while some lignin is lost during the pretreatments. Furthermore, sugar release upon enzymatic saccharification was enhanced, and this was dependent on the plant biomass and fungal species used in the treatment. To maximise the potential for lignocellulose valorisation, the liquid fractions from the pretreatments were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography – photodiode array detection – electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-ESI-MSn). This study is one of the first to report on the composition of WRF-treated grass biomass, while assessing the potential relevance of breakdown products released during the treatments, beyond more traditional sugar-for-energy applications. Ultimately, we expect that our data will help promote the valorisation of unused biomass resources, create economic value, while contributing to the implementation of sustainable biorefining systems.

Finding the Optimal Multimodel Averaging Method for Global Hydrological Simulations

Global gridded precipitations have been extensively considered as the input of hydrological models for runoff simulations around the world. However, the limitations of hydrologic models and the inaccuracies of the precipitation datasets could result in large uncertainty in hydrological forecasts and water resource estimations. Therefore, it is of great importance to investigate the hydrological value of a weighted combination of hydrological models driven by different precipitation datasets. In addition, due to the diversities of combination members and climate conditions, hydrological simulation for watersheds under different climate conditions may show various sensitivities to the weighted combinations. This study undertakes a comprehensive analysis of various multimodel averaging methods and schemes (i.e., the combination of the members in averaging) to identify the most skillful and reliable multimodel averaging application. To achieve this, four hydrological models driven by six precipitation datasets were used as averaging members. The behaviors of 9 averaging methods and 11 averaging schemes in hydrological simulations were tested over 2277 watersheds distributed in different climate regions in the world. The results show the following: (1) The multi-input averaging schemes (i.e., members consist of one model driven by multiple precipitation datasets) generally perform better than the multimodel averaging schemes (i.e., members consist of multiple models driven by the same precipitation dataset) for each averaging method; (2) The use of multiple members can improve the averaging performances. Six averaging members are found to be necessary and advisable, since using more than six members only imrpoves the estimation results slightly, as compared with using all 24 members; (3) The advantage of using averaging methods for hydrological modeling is region dependent. The averaging methods, in general, produced the best results in the warm temperate region, followed by the snow and equatorial regions, while a large difference among various averaging methods is found in arid and arctic regions. This is mainly due to the different averaging methods being affected to a different extent by the poorly performed members in the arid and arctic regions; (4) the multimodel superensemble method (MMSE) is recommended for its robust and outstanding performance among various climatic regions.

An Efficient Virus-Induced Gene Silencing System for Functional Genomics Research in Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Fruits.

The Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) is a leading source of woody oil in warm temperate regions and has high nutritional and medicinal values. It also provides both tree nuts and woody products. Nevertheless, incomplete characterization of the walnut genetic system limits the walnut gene function analysis. This study used the tobacco rattle virus (TRV) vector to construct an infectious pTRV-JrPDS recombinant clone. A co-culture inoculation method utilizing Agrobacterium was screened out from four inoculation methods and optimized to set up an efficient virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) system for J. regia fruit. The optimized VIGS-TRV system induced complete photobleaching phenotype on the walnut fruits of four cultivars, and the JrPDS transcript levels decreased by up to 88% at 8 days post-inoculation (dpi). While those of browning-related J. regia polyphenol oxidase (PPO) genes JrPPO1 and JrPPO2 decreased by 67 and 80% at 8 dpi, respectively, accompanied by a significant reduction in fruit browning phenotype. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis screening and Western Blot showed that the PPO protein levels were significantly reduced. Moreover, a model of TRV-mediated VIGS system for inoculating J. regia fruit with efficient silence efficiency via co-culture was developed. These results indicate that the VIGS-TRV system is an efficient tool for rapid gene function analysis in J. regia fruits.

First Molecular Record and Distribution of Padina pavonica (Linnaeus) Thivy from the Southern Black Sea

Padina is a brown algal genus widely distributed in warm-temperate and tropical regions. Species-level identification of specimens is often difficult due to intraspecific and interspecific morphological plasticity. This study reveals the results of the phylogenetic relationships of specimens, by analyzing the cytochrome oxidase subunit 3 (Cox3) and RuBisCO large subunit (rbcL) gene sequences. A total of 144 new sequences were analyzed together with other Padina sequences obtained from GenBank. Phylogenetic inference identified one well-resolved clade. All of these analyses showed that this genus has only one species in the Black Sea. This is the first study on the molecular diagnosis of macroalgae in the Black Sea, and it contains the first molecular records of Padina in the Black Sea Region.

Detecting pathogenic bacterial wilt disease of potato using biochemical markers and evaluate resistant in some cultivars.

Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (Smith), is one of the chief severe diseases of potato in warm temperate regions, tropics and subtropics of the world. The study was conducted to isolate and identify bacterial pathogens and select the most resistant cultivars and avoid the decrease in the total value of Egyptian potato exports to the European Union (EU) due to the quarantine restrictions imposed by the EU on potato tubers exported from Egypt affected by bacterial wilt. The results of traditional identification through morphological and serological studies showed that the five isolates were isolated and identified as Ralstonia solanacearum. Furthermore, the results illustrated that RS5 isolate showed the lowest percentage of disease incidence reduction on the three tested potatoes cultivar Bellini, Spunta and Mondial recorded 9.64%, 15.41% and 34.12%, respectively. While, RS8 isolate exhibited the highest effective one the percentage of disease reduction on all tested potato cultivars. This isolate reduced disease incidence 60.60%, 63.21% and 71.66%, compering to the healthy control treatment. The result of molecular identification represent that the probe used in Taq-man (PCR) was of the type (B2) capable to detect only biovar 2 of R. solanacearum bacterial wilt. Furthermore, primer and probe are specific for detection of the race 3 biovar 2 strain. Positive results were obtained in all assays used including IFAS, protein content and SDS-PAGE with all five isolates. So the isolate (RS5) was the most virulence one, followed by RS1, RS3, RS2 and RS8, registered that the tested isolates were R. solanacearum race 3, biovar 2. Also, studies focused on the form of genetic distances and similarities based on pathogenic and plant growth parameters. The results illustrate that the highest genetic similarity (0.998) was found between Bellini and Spunta cultivars as the closest but the lowest value (0.946) was found between Mondial and Bellini as most distant. These results were similarity with genetic distances and SDS-PAGE profile of the three tested potato cultivars.

Effect of sika deer on forest recovery after clear-cutting conifer plantations in warm temperate regions of western Japan: from a field experiment of deer exclosure and planting of Quercus acutissima

ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted involving deer exclosures and planting of Quercus acutissima, a deciduous oak, to reveal forest recovery patterns and factors following clear-cutting at overcrowded conifer plantation sites. Sites were selected in a warm temperate region in western Japan, which is dominated by deciduous broad-leaved secondary forests and extensive conifer plantations. Thirteen years after clear-cutting in the study area, naturally regenerated stands were established with exclosures. The exclosures housed vegetation dominated by pioneer trees, such as Mallotus japonicus or Zanthoxylum ailanthoides. In contrast, naturally regenerated stands without exclosures had limited pioneer trees present. Vegetation dominated by pioneer shrubs (e.g. Aralia elata) was established in these stands. Reduced canopy height and total basal area were observed for vegetation outside the exclosures. In stands where Q. acutissima was planted immediately after clear-cutting, the vegetation that is dominated by this species in the canopy layer was established in both stands with and without exclosure. Most of tree species that emerged after clear-cutting across all stands were of the frugivore seed dispersal type. However, results from this study suggest that these frugivore seed dispersal type trees are more vulnerable to deer browsing than trees from the Fagaceae family. Natural forest recovery following plantation clear-cutting could be inhibited due to deer herbivory at relatively low deer density if a major source of tree regeneration in clear-cut plantations is non-Fagaceae trees.

Thermal tolerance, safety margins and vulnerability of coastal species: Projected impact of climate change induced cold water variability in a temperate African region

Anthropogenic induced climate change is predicted to increase the thermal variability in coastal waters, which can have strong physiological effects on individuals and populations of marine ectotherms. The magnitude and direction of these thermal effects varies depending on species, life stage, biogeography, habitat and season. This study aimed to compare the thermal tolerance of a range of juvenile fish and adult macro-invertebrates from intertidal and estuarine habitats in a warm-temperate, thermally variable region on the south-east coast of South Africa. Seasonal variability in thermal tolerance was compared between species, taxonomic groups, biogeographical distribution and habitat affinity and related to existing and projected water temperature data to gauge the local vulnerability of each species. Critical thermal maximum (CTmax), critical thermal minimum (CTmin), thermal breadths and scopes, and the thermal safety margins of each species were quantified. The greatest differences in thermal tolerance patterns were based on taxonomy, with macro-invertebrates having broader thermal tolerance compared to fish, with the exception of the Cape sea urchin, in both summer and winter. Relatively narrow lower breadths in tolerance and safety margin values for transient juvenile sub-tropical and temperate fish species from the intertidal rocky low-shore habitat were observed in both summer and winter. This indicates that these fish species and the Cape sea urchin may be more vulnerable to projected increases in cold temperature (upwelling in summer) than warm temperature variability in this warm-temperate region if they are unable to seek thermal habitat refuge.

Phylogenomics and Historical Biogeography of Seahorses, Dragonets, Goatfishes, and Allies (Teleostei: Syngnatharia): Assessing Factors Driving Uncertainty in Biogeographic Inferences.

The charismatic trumpetfishes, goatfishes, dragonets, flying gurnards, seahorses, and pipefishes encompass a recently defined yet extraordinarily diverse clade of percomorph fishes-the series Syngnatharia. This group is widely distributed in tropical and warm-temperate regions, with a great proportion of its extant diversity occurring in the Indo-Pacific. Because most syngnatharians feature long-range dispersal capabilities, tracing their biogeographic origins is challenging. Here, we applied an integrative phylogenomic approach to elucidate the evolutionary biogeography of syngnatharians. We built upon a recently published phylogenomic study that examined ultraconserved elements by adding 62 species (total 169 species) and one family (Draconettidae), to cover ca. 25% of the species diversity and all 10 families in the group. We inferred a set of time-calibrated trees and conducted ancestral range estimations. We also examined the sensitivity of these analyses to phylogenetic uncertainty (estimated from multiple genomic subsets), area delimitation, and biogeographic models that include or exclude the jump-dispersal parameter ($j)$. Of the three factors examined, we found that the $j$ parameter has the strongest effect in ancestral range estimates, followed by number of areas defined, and tree topology and divergence times. After accounting for these uncertainties, our results reveal that syngnatharians originated in the ancient Tethys Sea ca. 87 Ma (84-94 Ma; Late Cretaceous) and subsequently occupied the Indo-Pacific. Throughout syngnatharian history, multiple independent lineages colonized the eastern Pacific (6-8 times) and the Atlantic (6-14 times) from their center of origin, with most events taking place following an east-to-west route prior to the closure of the Tethys Seaway ca. 12-18 Ma. Ultimately, our study highlights the importance of accounting for different factors generating uncertainty in macroevolutionary and biogeographic inferences.[Historical biogeography; jump-dispersal parameter; macroevolutionary uncertainty; marine fishes; syngnathiformes; ultraconserved elements].

АМИНОКИСЛОТНЫЙ И ВИТАМИННЫЙ СОСТАВ CRATAEGUS ORIENTALIS PALL

The genus hawthorn (Crataegus) belongs to the apple subfamily (Maloideae Focke) of the Rosaceae Juss family. The hawthorn genus includes about 1500 species distributed in warm temperate and subtropical regions of the northern hemisphere, mainly in North America. Over 80 wild and 90 introduced species grow on the territory of the CIS. Kazakhstan belongs to the forest-deficient regions; the forest cover of the territory is 3.87%. The hawthorn, which grows in flat areas, at the foot of the mountains, in the mountains, in the steppe and forest-steppe, is quite common here, is part of the undergrowth of deciduous forests, forms thickets with other shrubs. 7 wild-growing species are found in Kazakhstan: Crataegus almatensis A. Pojark., Crataegus pontica A. Koch, Crataegus turkestanica A. Pojark., Crataegus sanguinea Pall., Crataegus altaica Lge., Crataegus transkaspica A. Kocharus., Crataegus transkaspica A. Kocharus., The range of arboretums in Kazakhstan includes up to 40 - 50 species of hawthorn. In various elements of landscaping, hawthorns of various origins found; in particular, at least 20 species grow in urban plantings of Almaty. The hawthorn is widespread in the Northern Tien Shan Mountains: Zailiyskiy, Dzhungarskiy and Kungey Alatau. Plants of the genus Crataegus are rich in vitamins A, C, E, K and group B, and also contain sugars, flavonoids, saponins, phytosterols, glycosides, tannins, organic acids, amygdalin, essential oils. Thus, hawthorn is a promising raw material for the creation of domestic medicines. This article examines the study of the quantitative composition of amino acids and vitamins in the fruits of the species of the genus Crataegus widespread in Kazakhstan in a supercritical extract isolated and the fruits of the Crataegus orientalis Pall plant, in order to establish the possibility of using and with subsequent cultivation of the selected species.

Microbial metabolism and necromass mediated fertilization effect on soil organic carbon after long-term community incubation in different climates.

Understanding the effects of changing climate and long-term human activities on soil organic carbon (SOC) and the mediating roles of microorganisms is critical to maintain soil C stability in agricultural ecosystem. Here, we took samples from a long-term soil transplantation experiment, in which large transects of Mollisol soil in a cold temperate region were translocated to warm temperate and mid-subtropical regions to simulate different climate conditions, with a fertilization treatment on top. This study aimed to understand fertilization effect on SOC and the role of soil microorganisms featured after long-term community incubation in warm climates. After 12 years of soil transplantation, fertilization led to less reduction of SOC, in which aromatic C increased and the consumption of O-alkyl C and carbonyl C decreased. Soil live microbes were analyzed using propidium monoazide to remove DNAs from dead cells, and their network modulization explained 60.4% of variations in soil labile C. Single-cell Raman spectroscopy combined with D2O isotope labeling indicated a higher metabolic activity of live microbes to use easily degradable C after soil transplantation. Compared with non-fertilization, there was a significant decrease in soil α- and β-glucosidase and delay on microbial growth with fertilization in warmer climate. Moreover, fertilization significantly increased microbial necromass as indicated by amino sugar content, and its contribution to soil resistant C reached 22.3%. This study evidentially highlights the substantial contribution of soil microbial metabolism and necromass to refractory C of SOC with addition of nutrients in the long-term.

Vigna trilobata (L.) Verdc: a review of medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology

Vigna trilobata (L.) VERDC. belongs to family Papilionaceae found throughout the tropical and warm temperate regions of the world. In folk medicine, it is used in arthritis, fever, cough, dysentery and urinogenital disorders. Different secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, flavonoids have been reported in Vigna trilobata. Antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory activities have been shown by Vigna trilobata.

Dual role of immunomodulation by crude polysaccharide from okra against carcinogenic liver injury in mice

Polysaccharides have long been recognized as the anticancer agent with low toxicity and slight side effects. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), a flowering plant from the Malvaceae family that is found in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions around the world. Hence, no in vivo studies have addressed the anticancer and immunomodulatory potential of polysaccharides from okra pods grown in Indonesia. This study aims to investigate the effect of okra raw polysaccharide extract (ORPE) to immune cells and cytokines of mice with hepatocarcinogenic conditions induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Thirty-six male mice (BALB/C, 3–4 months old) were divided into six groups: the normal control group (CN), negative control (C-), positive control giving doxorubicin (C+), and three groups of ORPE treatment given the dose of 50 (P1), 100 (P2) and 200 (P3) mg/kg body weight. The administration of ORPE directly suppressed the regulatory T cells accumulations, suppressed macrophages activations, and balanced the number of effector T cells. However, it promoted CD8+ T cell activation at a low dose and increased interleukin-2 levels at all doses. These results suggest that ORPE has unique dual-functions as immunosuppressant and immunostimulant which can be a foundation for the application of the ORPE in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

Haemonchosis: A Challenging Parasitic Infection of Sheep and Goats.

Simple SummaryThe paper reviews the challenges regarding haemonchosis, a common parasitic infection of sheep and goats, caused by Haemonchus parasites. The disease affects the health and welfare of sheep and goats and reduces their productivity, and thus, currently, there are various concerns regarding the disease. These refer to (a) the varying prevalence of the infection around the world as influenced by differing climatic conditions and environmental factors, (b) the increased resistance of the causative parasites to the available antiparasitic drugs, (c) the difficulties present regarding the accurate diagnosis of the disease and (d) the effective control of the infection.The paper reviews the challenges about haemonchosis—a significant and common parasitic infection of small ruminants. Haemonchus contortus is a highly pathogenic parasite that localises in the abomasum of affected animals and exerts its pathogenicity by blood-sucking activity, adversely affecting the health and productivity of animals. The first challenge is the uneven distribution of the infection globally, this being more prevalent in tropical and subtropical and warm temperate and summer rainfall regions than in cool and cold temperate and arid regions; hence, this leads in differences in the approaches required for its control. Another challenge is the widespread presence of Haemonchus strains resistant to the various anthelmintics available: Benzimidazoles, imidazothiazoles, macrocyclic lactones, closantel and monepantel, which makes the control of the infection difficult. The third challenge refers to the difficulty of diagnosing the disease, given that field evidence can provide suspicion about the infection, which needs to be subsequently confirmed by laboratory tests through parasitological or molecular techniques. The final challenge relates to the difficulties in the control of the infection and the necessity to use pharmaceutical products cautiously and with a planned approach, to avoid further development of anthelmintic resistance, also given that use of a recently licenced vaccine is not widespread. In conclusion, at the moment, we should be concerned, but not worried, about this infection, and apply correctly the appropriate health management plans.

Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of the Genus Zanthoxylum (Rutaceae): A Review

Background: The genus Zanthoxylum (Rutaceae) represents an interesting source of bioactive compounds, and more than 220 accepted species of this genus are distributed in the warm temperate and subtropical regions of the world. Different plant parts of Zanthoxylum species have been used traditionally as medicines for various diseases affecting both humans and animals. Based on traditional knowledge, several phytochemical and pharmacological studies have been conducted. Objective: This review aims to provide up-to-date information about the phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Zanthoxylum, covering literature published from January 2012 to mid-2019. Methods: The traditional medicinal uses, phytochemical and pharmacological data about Zanthoxylum species were searched and obtained from scientific databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, SciFinder and Web of Science. Information about the accepted number of Zanthoxylum species was obtained from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and Plants of the World online databases. Results: The genus Zanthoxylum (Rutaceae) is a rich source of structurally diverse secondary metabolites with promising pharmacological activities. Approximately 126 new secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, amides, lignans and neolignans, coumarins, peptides, terpenoids, and flavonoids have been isolated and identified from different Zanthoxylum species. The numerous studies have shown that compounds isolated from the genus Zanthoxylum exhibit pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, larvicidal, antioxidant, anticancer/ antiproliferative, and antimycobacterial activities. Conclusion: Zanthoxylum genus, a rich source of alkaloids, amides, lignans and neolignans, coumarins, peptides, terpenoids, and flavonoids, is an interesting genus with multiple pharmacological activities. This review summarises phytochemical and pharmacological studies conducted so far. The data collected from the available literature shows that plants of the genus Zanthoxylum have great pharmacological potential. However, the genus is not fully explored and many gaps in the knowledge still exist.

Responses of leaf photosynthetic traits, water use efficiency, and water relations in five urban shrub tree species under drought stress and recovery

In urban shrub trees, the species-specific photosynthetic response and water-use properties are related to the xylem anatomy of the petiole. It is becoming essential to select urban tree species based on drought response in warm temperate regions, because water limitation is prone to occur in an urban environment, and furthermore, urban warming along with global warming intensifies drought stress even in relatively humid regions. We focused on leaf photosynthesis, water use efficiency, and leaf water relations as key factors for the evaluation of drought response in urban trees, and compared their responses to drought stress and re-watering (recovery) in five major urban shrub tree species planted in Japan. In addition, species-specific xylem anatomical traits in the leaf petiole were evaluated. The five species showed diverse responses to drought and recovery. Rhaphiolepis umbellata possessed both the highest photosynthesis (A) and highest intrinsic water use efficiency (A/gs) under drought, as well as full recovery in the midday leaf water potential (Ψmid). These results suggest that R. umbellata is the most favorable species as an urban tree among the five species. In contrast, A and A/gs in Rhododendron obtusum were only 19% and 55%, respectively, of those in R. umbellata under drought, along with incomplete recovery in Ψmid. The responses of A, A/gs, and Ψmid for the other three species were intermediate between R. umbellata and R. obtusum. We found that during recovery, the species-specific coordination between photosynthesis and leaf hydraulic traits was mediated by stomatal regulation. The species with large stomatal conductance had both high photosynthesis and high leaf hydraulic conductance, along with a large vessel area in the leaf petiole. The selection of trees with consideration of the drought response, along with appropriate watering management, will improve the photosynthetic ability, and thus, will enhance CO2 absorption by urban trees.

Seasonal dynamics of Anaplasma spp. in goats in warm-temperate zone of China

Anaplasma are tick-borne obligate intracellular bacteria that can endanger human and animal health, and until now, there have been few reports on the seasonal dynamics of Anaplasma species in China. In this study, a total of 491 goat blood samples were collected in spring (n = 124), summer (n = 135), autumn (n = 110), and winter (n = 122) from Shaanxi provinces. Single and mixed infections of Anaplasma spp. from warm-temperate regions of China were analyzed according to seasons using a nested PCR method. Positive samples were sequenced to observe the molecular and phylogenetic characteristics of the Anaplasma species, and we determined the co-infection rates of Anaplasma spp. for each season. A molecular survey of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, A. bovis, A. ovis, and A. capra in goats showed average prevalences of 71.6 % (maximum 86.7 % in summer and minimum 48.4 % in winter), 62.2 % (minimum 38.7 % in spring and maximum 94.1 % in summer), 25.5 % (minimum 0% in summer and maximum 51.6 % in spring), and 26.6 % (minimum 8.2 % in winter and maximum 55.6 % in summer), respectively. In the phylogenetic analysis, A. phagocytophilum and A. capra occupied two separate groups, Chinese A. bovis and foreign isolates appeared to be geographically isolated, and all A. ovis isolates were in the same branch as the previously described sequences. The survey indicated that goats in warm-temperate regions of China are frequently exposed to Anaplasma spp. all year round, and thus prevention and treatment efforts for anaplasmosis in the region should be strengthened.

Impacts of Heat and Drought on Gross Primary Productivity in China

Heat and drought stress, which often occur together, are the main environmental factors limiting the survival and growth of vegetation. Studies on the response of gross primary production (GPP) to extreme climate events such as heat and drought are highly significant for the identification of ecologically vulnerable regions, ecological risk assessments, and ecological environmental protection. We got 1982–2017 climatic data from the University of East Anglia Climatic Research Unit, Norwich, England, and GPP data from National Earth System Science Data Sharing Service Platform, Beijing, China. Using Theil–Sen median trend analysis and the Mann–Kendall test, we analyzed trends in temperature and the standardized precipitation/standardized precipitation evapotranspiration indices in the eight vegetation regions of China. Additionally, the response of GPP to the single and combined impacts of heat and drought were analyzed using multidimensional copula functions, and GPP reduction probabilities were estimated under different drought levels and heat intensities. The results showed that the probability of a drastic GPP reduction increases with increasing drought levels and heat intensities. The combined impacts of heat and drought on vegetation productivity is greater than the impacts of either drought or heat alone and presents a nonlinear superposition of the two extremes. The impact of heat on GPP is not evident when the drought level is high. The temperate grassland and warm temperate deciduous broad-leaved forest regions are the most sensitive regions to drought and heat in China. This study provides a scientific basis for the comprehensive evaluation of the risk of GPP reduction under the single and combined impacts of heat stress and drought stress.

Overview of Insecticides against Shoot and Fruit borer [Earias vittella (Fabricius)] of Okra

Okra Abelmoschus esculentus (L), a Malvaceous vegetable which is cultivated throughout the tropical and warm temperate regions of the world and India and different states of India too. Many of the pests occurring on cotton are found to ravage okra crop Okra shoot and fruit borer, Earias vittella (Fabricius) have emerged as a major pest of okra from last decades. Fruit infestation started at the beginning of fruiting, increased progressively up to harvesting and reached a peak. Further, it was noticed that the population of Earias spp. increased slowly up to mid-September and rapidly thereafter. Minimum temperature and relative humidity had a significant negative correlation with shoot borer infestation.

Phenolic Profile and Biological Properties of <i>Momordica charantia</i>

<i>M. charantia</i> is an important medicinal plant belongs to family <i>cucurbitaceae</i>. It originates from India, Malasiya and is widely spread all over tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions of the world. This research work has been designed to evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial and toxicological potential of <i>M. charantia. </i>The antifungal and antioxidant components of<i> M. charantia</i> leaves, seeds and peels were extracted by using four solvent systems (80% methanol, 80% ethanol, 100% methanol and 100% ethanol) andleaves presented maximum extract yield (22.7 g/100g DW) in 80% methanolic solvent system. Phytochemical analysis of <i>M. Charantia </i>leaves, seeds and peels extracts performed in terms of total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, showed that 80% methanolic leaves extract offered highest total phenolic contents (47.1 mg GAE/g DW), whereas80% ethanolic leaves gave maximum total flavonoid contents (67.3 mg CE/g DW). The phenolic contents were also analysed by HPLC. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH radical scavenging activity and measure of reducing power. Results revealed that 80% methanolic leaves extract showed highest radical scavenging activity and reducing potential. Antimicrobial activity of <i>M. charantia </i>leaves, seeds and peels was investigated by Disc Diffusion Method and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). Results showed that 80% methanolic extract of leaves exhibited highest antibacterial and antifungal potential against <i>P. multocida</i> (30 mm DIZ) and <i>A. paraciticus</i> (28 mm DIZ), respectively. Cytotoxicity analysis was performed on BHK-21 cell by adopting the MTT assay. The cytotoxicity activity of the 80% methanolic extract of leaves was evaluated by noticing the cell survival percentage (53.4%). Overall results of the present study showed that 80% methanolic leaves extracts of<i> M. charantia</i> possesses very good antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties.

Characterization of Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin &amp; Clemants essential oil from Vietnam

DDysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin &amp;amp; Clemants is a fragrant herb widely distributed from warm temperate regions to subtropical and tropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The essential oil from D. ambrosioides is the main ingredient used in traditional medicine due to its anti-malarial, anti-cancer, and anti-helminthic properties, among others. The chemical composition of D. ambrosioides essential oil from the aerial part was extracted by hydrodistillation and analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, resulting the yield of 0.8%. The main components were characterized as 2,3-dehydro-1,4-cineole (55%), α-terpinene (15.2%), iso-ascaridole (15.3%), and p-cymene (9.8%), respectively.