Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca
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Seasonal changes in the micromorphology, ultrastructure, and histochemistry of Carissa macrocarpa leaves
Full text linkCarissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A. DC., is a woody shrub of the family Apocynaceae used in traditional medicine. This study aimed to investigate the seasonal variations in micromorphology, ultrastructure, and histochemistry of C. macrocarpa leaves using light and electron microscopy and histochemical techniques. This novel micromorphological analysis revealed the presence of glandular trichomes consisting of a short stalk and multicellular head, located on the lower surface of the leaf. The leaf was characterized as hypostomatic, containing stomata only on its lower surface. Nonarticulated laticifers were interspersed in the leaf cortex and spongy parenchyma. Transmission electron microscopy of C. macrocarpa leaf sections showed the presence of mitochondria, vesicles, vacuoles, and chloroplasts containing starch grains and plastoglobuli. Histochemical analysis revealed a variety of phytochemicals such as proteins, alkaloids, phenols, resin acids, lipids, polyphenols, mucilage, pectin, lignin, and cutin in C. macrocarpa leaves. The chemical compounds found in the latex of its laticifers likely play a vital role in herbivory prevention. Although leaves can also be used for medicinal purposes due to the presence of many pharmacologically active metabolites, future toxicology studies of C. macrocarpa leaves are recommended to ensure their safety for medicinal use. This study is the first to describe the ultrastructure and histochemistry of C. macrocarpa leaves. Given the knowledge gap regarding this species, the present research provides a foundation for the future harvest and medicinal applications of C. macrocarpa
Antifungal nanoformulation of botanical anthraquinone and TiO2 against melon phytopathogenic fungi: preparation, in vitro bioassays and field test
Full text linkAnthraquinones from Polygonum cuspidatum are well-known antimicrobial botanical compounds against several plant pathogenic agents that cause plant disease. In this study, for the first time, the anthraquinone-rich extract of P. cuspitaum and TiO2 nanoparticles (average droplet size of 103.9 nm) together with surfactants and cosurfactants were fabricated in the type of emulsifiable concentrate (ATEC) that form spontaneous nanoemulsions (ATNE) in water and evaluated its antifungal efficacy against the melon fungal diseases. The morphology of ATNE nanodroplets observed using SEM and TEM showed that ATNE droplets were spherical in shape. ATEC showed excellent antifungal activity against various melon phytopathogenic fungi. At a concentration of 0.5%, the formulation completely inhibited the mycelial growth of Botrytis cinerea, Phytophthora spp., Fusarium oxysporum, Colletotrichum spp., Sclerotium spp., and Rhizoctonia spp., and the germination of Eryshipe cichorasearum spores. In the field test, ATNE nanoformulations were evaluated for their control efficacy against powdery mildew by spraying on young honeydew melon plants. As a result, ATNE (1:400) with an average droplet size of 484.4 nm exhibited the best suppression (control efficacy of 62.34 %) against powdery mildew at 10 days after spray and showed no phytotoxicity on the test plants. The study results confirmed the potential of ATEC against various melon phytopathogenic fungi. In particular, under organic agriculture practice, the nanoemulsion ATNE could effectively control powdery mildew caused by E. cichorasearum in honeydew melon fields
Production, morphology, physiology and analysis of farming in a simple plastic house with the addition of light at night in some tomato varieties
Full text linkThis study aims to determine the effect of additional compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) light on the production, morphology and physiology of tomato plants, as well as their efficiency. The research also examined the prospects for planting tomatoes in simple plastic houses at the height of the medium in tropical countries. The experiment was conducted in a plastic house in the tropical region of East Java, Indonesia, with a place altitude of 455 m above sea level. The design used was the Split-Plot Design, with 3 replications. The treatment consisted of 2 factors: the main factor was 4 levels of additional CFL light at night (no light/control, 4 hours, 8 hours, and 12 hours), and the sub-factor consisted of four tomato varieties (‘Juliet’, ‘Golden Sweet’ and ‘Betavila’). Tomato plants of the ‘Juliet’ cherry variety (indeterminate) showed a higher plant growth rate when given additional CFL light for 8 hours, while the ‘Betavila’ variety showed a higher plant growth rate when given CFL light for 4 hours. ‘Betavila’ also produced the highest yields, especially under 4 hours of night lighting. Meanwhile, the ‘Juliet’ cherry variety achieved the highest yield with 12 hours of CFL light. Farming analysis showed that the ‘Betavila’ variety was more profitable without CFL lights at night, while, ‘Juliet’ variety was more advantageous when given lights for 4 hours before dawn
Reduction of peanut pod rots and aflatoxin contamination using selected micronutrient nanoparticles
Full text linkClimate-induced biological changes have altered host–pathogen interactions, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen plant defense mechanisms using environmentally safe alternatives to conventional fungicides that often pose ecological risks. This study evaluated the efficacy of micronutrient nanoparticles-iron oxide (Fe₃O₄), manganese oxide (MnO), and zinc oxide (ZnO)-at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, and 100 mg L-¹ in mitigating peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) pod rot and reducing contamination by aflatoxigenic fungi (Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus). Greenhouse and field trials were conducted during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons to assess their effects on disease incidence, fungal frequency, aflatoxin levels, yield performance, and associated biochemical responses. All nanoparticle treatments significantly reduced pod-rot incidence and aflatoxigenic fungal contamination, with concomitant improvements in yield relative to the untreated control Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles at 100 mg L-¹ exhibited the most excellent efficacy, achieving marked reductions in disease severity and aflatoxin accumulation, while enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and catalase) and increasing phenolic compounds, sugars, free amino acids, and protein content. MnO nanoparticles also showed notable but comparatively lower effects, whereas high concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles were associated with increased fungal infection and aflatoxin levels. The findings highlight the potential of micronutrient nanoparticles, particularly Fe₃O₄, as eco-friendly resistance inducers that enhance both biochemical and physiological defenses in peanut plants under biotic stress, provided their concentrations are carefully optimized
Direct and indirect blue light supplementation on growth, pigments, and gas exchange of young arugula plants
Full text linkIt is well-established that the blue (430-460 nm) portion of the visible light spectrum beneficially affects plants, primarily by modulating the relationship between photosynthesis and energy metabolism and promoting chlorophyll accumulation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of direct blue light supplementation (via LEDs operating at 450 nm) and indirect blue light supplementation (via reflective materials) on the growth, pigment content, and gas exchange of young arugula (Eruca sativa) plants. Four treatments were tested: control (no supplementation); direct blue light via LED; indirect light via light blue laminate; and indirect light via dark blue laminate. The reflective laminates were placed on the cultivation benches, under the plants. Two hypotheses were tested: 1) The LED, with maximum emission at 450 nm, would have similar performance to the dark blue reflective laminate for plants. 2) The shades of blue in the reflective laminates would influence plant performance. Parameters analyzed included shoot fresh matter, shoot dry matter, contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a/b ratio, carotenoids, total chlorophyll/carotenoid ratio, and gas exchange parameters (internal CO₂ concentration (Ci), net photosynthesis (PN), transpiration (E), stomatal conductance (gs), water use efficiency (PN/E), and instantaneous carboxylation efficiency (PN /Ci)). Results indicated that both blue LED light and dark blue laminate promoted greater accumulation of dry matter and pigments, emerging as the most effective treatments. On the other hand, even though the light blue laminate presented higher light intensity, Chla, Chlb, Total Chl and carotenoids were 19.2%, 18.9%, 19.1%, and 18.89% lower than the control, respectively. For gas exchange, both direct and indirect blue light supplementation led to higher stomatal conductance, transpiration and water use efficiency. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in net A and A/Ci among treatments, suggesting that combinations of light spectra to optimize plant development in controlled environments, maximizing the benefits of blue light for more efficient production
Biochemical diversity and antioxidant potential of wild chives (Allium schoenoprasum L.) accessions
Full text linkThis study investigated the biochemical diversity of chive (Allium schoenoprasum L.) accessions collected from Van Province, Türkiye, and compared them with selected Allium species (Allium vineale, Allium schoenoprasum var. sibiricum, and Allium tuberosum). The analyses focused on key biochemical traits, including total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, radical scavenging activity, activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase), lipid peroxidation, and phenolic compound profiles (quercetin, myricetin, rutin, chlorogenic acid, and quinic acid). Significant biochemical variability was detected among the A. schoenoprasum accessions. Notably, accession A6 exhibited the highest total phenolic content (61.2 g GAE kg⁻¹) and antioxidant capacity (139.89 mmol Trolox equivalents kg⁻¹). Accession A2 showed the greatest superoxide dismutase (24.63 U g⁻¹ FW) and catalase (25.66 U g⁻¹ FW) activities, whereas accession A3 was distinguished by its elevated myricetin concentration. Higher rutin contents were observed in accessions A1 and A2. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that A. schoenoprasum accessions formed a distinct cluster, with A. vineale grouping more closely with them than with the other Allium species. Correlation analysis demonstrated strong positive associations between total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and individual flavonoid concentrations. Overall, these results highlight the substantial genetic potential of wild A. schoenoprasum accessions from Van Province as valuable genetic resources for Allium breeding programs and as promising natural antioxidant sources for food and pharmaceutical industries
Biochemical diversity across plant parts and its genetic interrelations among wild Ferula assa foetida L. populations in South Khorasan
Full text linkFerula assa‑foetida L. (Apiaceae) is a medicinally important species rich in organosulfur and terpenoid compounds, valued for its antimicrobial and digestive effects. This study investigated six wild populations from South Khorasan, Iran, to characterize organ‑specific essential oils (EOs) and assess genetic diversity. GC–MS analysis showed clear biochemical differences between aerial and underground plant parts. Foliar oils were dominated by oxygenated sesquiterpenes, especially carotol, τ‑cadinol, and 10‑epi‑γ‑eudesmol, while root and crown‑root oils were enriched in oxygenated monoterpenes and dioxanone‑type ketones such as 4,4,13‑dioxan‑2‑yl‑3,4‑dimethylcyclohex‑2‑enone. Oleo‑gum resins contained abundant sulfur‑bearing volatiles, mainly sec‑butyl disulfide and di‑isobutyl disulfide, together with mid‑chain fatty acids (dodecanoic, tetradecanoic, hexadecanoic acid). These organ‑specific chemical patterns indicate shifts in isoprenoid and sulfur‑amino‑acid metabolism under local aridity and salinity stress. ISSR markers detected high interpopulation genetic differentiation (Φ_PT = 0.516), with Koohsheib showing the greatest allelic richness and Malvand the lowest diversity. Integrated chemotypic–genetic analyses revealed strong links between genotype and environment, suggesting that ecological stressors shape secondary‑metabolite pathways. The combined molecular and phytochemical evidence offers a foundation for conservation, sustainable use, and chemovar‑based cultivation of F. assa‑foetida in arid ecosystems
Impact of varying water stress periods (water shortage vs. waterlogging) on Cannabis sativa growth, leaf physiology, and CBD content
Full text linkIt is important to understand how water stress treatments (water shortage and waterlogging) affect plant physiology and cannabinoid levels in cannabis plants. This study evaluated the effects of different periods (7, 14, and 21 days) of water stress (water shortage vs. waterlogging) on growth, leaf physiology, and cannabinoid accumulation in Cannabis sativa plants at vegetative and reproductive stages. The first experiment evaluated the effects of 7 days of water stress treatments during the vegetative stage. The second study examined the physiological responses to different durations (7, 14, and 21 days) of water stress treatments during the reproductive phase. Waterlogging for seven days during the vegetative stage had a more negative impact on growth parameters, especially root length (17.2 cm), compared to water shortage (31.6 cm) and control plants (17.2 cm). During the reproductive stage, water shortage for 21 days significantly reduced stomatal conductance (gs) (34.9 µmol·m-2·s-1), leaf area index (LAI) (1.01), total plant dry weight (TPDW) (52 g), and photosynthetic efficiency (Phi2:0.2) compared to waterlogging (gs: 113 µmol·m-2·s-1; LAI: 2.39; TPDW: 62 g; Phi:0.3), and control plants (gs: 226 µmol·m-2·s-1; LAI: 3.82; TPDW: 80 g; Phi:0.65). Both water stress conditions decreased cannabinoid content when the stress period was prolonged during the reproductive stage (Total CBD: 45 and 41 mg·g-1 for water shortage and waterlogging, respectively) compared with control plants (Total CBD: 105 mg·g-1). This study found that water stress conditions, both waterlogging and water shortage, influenced cannabinoid biosynthesis during the reproductive stage
Agronomic and economic evaluation of commercial organic manure doses in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) cultivation
Full text linkThis study evaluated the agronomic and economic effects of different organic manure doses recommended by commercial producers on watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) cultivation. Five treatments - chemical fertilization without organic manure (control), vermicompost, ovine manure, poultry manure, and bovine manure - were applied with three replications. Among the treatments, the company-recommended dose of ovine manure resulted in the highest yield (65.38 tons ha⁻¹) and net income (3,334.0 USD ha⁻¹), making it the most effective option. On average, organic manures increased fruit yield by 17.71% and rind thickness by 31.61%, the latter potentially reducing consumer satisfaction. Flesh firmness was lowest in the ovine manure treatment, while other manures showed no significant difference. Farmers should pay attention to the shelf life of watermelon fruit, especially if they prefer ovine manure due to the increase in yield and net income, taking into account that the intra-fruit hardness decreases. Bovine manure led to excessive nitrogen accumulation in leaves, and all treatments except poultry manure showed reduced phosphorus levels in the second season. Organic fertilization also decreased calcium content in leaves, and vermicompost-treated plants showed manganese deficiency, unlike the other treatments. Overall, the dose recommended by the ovine manure producer provided the most favorable balance between productivity, nutrient sufficiency, and economic return in watermelon cultivation
Resilience of forests in a changing climate: Responses, mechanisms, and adaptations
Full text linkForest ecosystems are increasingly vulnerable to environmental changes, including rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and persistent water stress. These changes disrupt essential physiological processes such as photosynthesis, transpiration, and nutrient uptake, directly impacting forest productivity, species distribution, and carbon sequestration capacity. Moreover, fluctuations in temperature and water availability influence tree growth trends, contributing to biodiversity loss and altering ecosystem dynamics. At the molecular level, trees exhibit gene expression modifications in response to climatic stressors, indicating potential adaptation mechanisms. This review explores the complex interactions between forest ecosystems and environmental changes, emphasizing key processes such as nutrient cycling, soil health, and microbial activity. We analyze the effects of extreme temperatures, drought, and excessive rainfall on tree physiology and ecosystem stability, highlighting species-specific adaptive strategies, including altered nutrient allocation, root modifications, and physiological adjustments. Additionally, we discuss human interventions such as targeted fertilization, biochar application, and sustainable land management as potential mitigation strategies to enhance forest resilience. Understanding the physiological, morphological, and molecular responses of forests to climate variability is crucial for developing adaptive management strategies. By integrating scientific insights into forest conservation and management, this review proposes innovative approaches to safeguard forest ecosystems against environmental stressors, ensuring their long-term sustainability and continued role in global climate regulation