Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca
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Unraveling the chloroplast genome of Actiniopteris radiata from Saudi Arabia: Insights into genetic diversity in Pteridaceae
Full text linkThis study reports the chloroplast genome sequence of Actiniopteris radiata from Jazan, Saudi Arabia, marking it as the inaugural fern species of the Actiniopteris genus to be sequenced and analyzed. The chloroplast genome spans 148,219 bp with a GC content of 40.8% and contains 131 genes: 87 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 36 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and 8 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs). Comparative analyses with nine related species revealed a genome size range from 148,219 bp (A. radiata) to 154,106 bp (Pteris vittata), with GC content spanning 36.7% (Ceratopteris cornuta) to 44.4% (Adiantum shastense). The analysis identified 538 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) concentrated in the large single-copy (LSC) region. Codon usage analysis showed significant preferences, including an RSCU value of 0.36 for GCT in alanine codons. SNP analysis revealed 25,137 SNPs across the genome, yielding a dS/dN ratios indicative of purifying selection. Notable genes, such as psbD and psaA, exhibited high dS/dN ratios (46 and 8, respectively), suggesting adaptive evolution in photosynthetic pathways. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the distinct evolutionary position of A. radiata within the Pteridoideae subfamily, highlighting its unique lineage in the absence of close relatives in existing databases. This research establishes a foundational resource for understanding fern evolution in the Pteridaceae family
Effect of some plant extracts in controlling soft rot disease in some economic plants associated with molecular studies
Full text linkPectobacterium carotovorum strains were isolated from onion, pepper and carrot to investigate the molecular and physiological characters as well as efficiency of plant extracts, nano-particles and bioagents to control the bacterial pathogen. The results of molecular characterization revealed that P. carotovorum strain PB-1 (carrot), strain PB-2 (onion) and strain PB-3 (pepper). The results of phylogenetic tree displayed that the three strains were similar and characterized as P. carotovorum, and the genomic sequencing assured these results. Additionally, the pathogenicity test displayed that the strain PB-1 was very aggressive compared with strains PB-2 and PB-3. Antimicrobial activity using plant extracts, nanoparticles and bioagents were conducted. Application of fourteen plant extracts resulted that the plant extract of Tamarindus indica (fruit) showed highest diameter zone of inhibition (17.5 mm) against the P. carotovorum pathogen followed by Hibiscus sabdariffa (16 mm), Rhus coriaria (15.8 mm), Punica granatum (13.6 mm), Citrus paradise (11.6 mm), Psidium guajava (11.6 mm), Citrus sinensis (7.1 mm) and Citrus limon (6.6 mm) on carrot. Plant extract of Punica granatum (fruit peel) showed highest diameter zone of inhibition on P. carotovorum strains which isolated from onion and pepper followed with Hibiscus sabdariffa (14.25,13.75 mm) and Rhus coriaria (11.8,11.05 mm) compared with control (streptomycin 150 ppm). Nano-copper (Cu) and nano-silver (Ag) gave significant inhibition against the three strains. Nano-Cu showed 15.12, 7.6 and 14 mm inhibition however, nano-Ag showed 10.5, 10.7 and 9.75 mm inhibition on carrot, onion and pepper respectively. Bacillus subtilis as a biocontrol agent gave the best and significant results as antibacterial effect against P. carotovorum which showed 13.6 and 13 mm inhibition on carrot and onion respectively compared with Streptomyces spp., Trichoderma spp. and Saccharomyces spp
Sustainable agriculture through nano-priming: Evaluating the role of biogenic manganese oxide nanoparticles in mitigating wastewater-induced stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Full text linkNanoparticles have potential to mitigate the harmful effects of wastewater in agricultural crop, reducing crop contamination and improving wheat growth and development. However, no information has been reported concerning the impact of seed priming of biogenic MnO-NPs on the germination and physiochemical parameters of wheat crop under wastewater stress condition. The current study examined the impact of primed seed with biosynthesized manganese oxide nanoparticles (MnO-NPs) from Bacillus flexus on wheat growth under wastewater stress. This study was conducted in a pot experiment. Wheat seeds were primed with different concentrations of MnO-NPs (0, 20,40, 60, 80, and 100 mg L-1). Primed seeds were sown in wastewater-polluted soil. The pot experiment was conducted for 30 days. The soil in the pots was kept consistently moist, with moisture levels at about 60-70% of the soil's maximum water-holding capacity. Control included seeds without MnO-NP priming. The wastewater contained contaminants such as heavy metals and organic pollutants. The result showed that 80 mg L-1MnO-NP treatment showed a more positive impact in combating wastewater stress. MnO-NPs at 80 mg L-1 positively influenced wheat seed germination parameters up to 57% and growth attributes by 63.75% compared to the control treatment. Moreover, seed priming with MnO-NPs at 80 mg L-1 improved gas exchange attributes by 67%, increased chlorophyll contents by 53.5%, and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities: 38% for superoxide dismutase (SOD), 61% for ascorbate peroxidase (APX), 65% for catalase (CAT), and 55% for peroxidase (POD). Meanwhile, hydrogen peroxide(H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), and electrolyte leakage (EL) were decreased by 51%, 69%, and 52% respectively. These results demonstrate that primed seed with MnO-NPs can significantly enhance wheat's germination and biochemical attributes under wastewater stress, providing a promising approach for improving crop resilience and productivity in wastewater polluted conditions
Propagation and community perspective of the climber species Smilax nageliana A.DC. endemic to Java Island
Full text linkA conservation approach for Smilax nageliana A.DC. was implemented by integrating ex-situ propagation, habitat suitability modeling, and SWOT analysis. The propagation of S. nageliana has proven successful in rescuing and preserving this threatened species, resulting in 0.55 shoots per cutting, with an average shoot length of 3.51 cm and 1.05 leaves per shoot. Approximately 66.7% of the forest-adjacent community engages in field cultivation activities, resulting in minimal disturbance to S. nageliana habitats. Conservation strategy development for S. nageliana employed Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis, which identified slope as a significant factor influencing habitat suitability, which influences the growth of S. nageliana, particularly stem diameter. SWOT analysis revealed that S. nageliana’s strengths include its status as an East Java endemic species, coupled with limited knowledge about this plant. The primary weakness of S. nageliana is its critically endangered status on the IUCN Red List. External factors presenting opportunities for S. nageliana conservation include community interest in utilizing the plant as livestock feed and support for exploring its medicinal potential. The main external threat is the prevalence of farming and forest product harvesting among survey respondents. A recommended conservation strategy model for S. nageliana involves all stakeholders’ increasing knowledge and sustainable plant utilization
Effects of different ratios of nitrogen–calcium fertilization on growth and photosynthetic characteristics in the endangered plant Excentrodendron hsienmu seedlings
Full text linkExcentrodendron hsienmu, a karst-endemic tree species of high ecological and economic value, is classified as endangered and nationally protected in China. This study aimed to establish a theoretical basis for the propagation and conservation of E. hsienmu by evaluating the effects of nitrogen–calcium fertilization on seedling growth and photosynthetic performance. One-year-old seedlings were subjected to nine treatment combinations of pure nitrogen (1.0, 2.0, 3.0 g/plant) and pure calcium (1.5, 3.0, 4.5 g/plant). Results showed that all fertilization treatments significantly improved seedling growth and photosynthetic traits compared to the control. The N2Ca2 treatment (2.0 g N and 3.0 g Ca per plant) yielded the highest increases in height (26.20 cm), ground diameter (6.96 mm), total biomass (85.64 g), root system development, and chlorophyll content. Additionally, photosynthetic parameters such as net photosynthetic rate (13.96 µmol·m-²·s-¹) and transpiration rate (4.21 mmol·m-²·s-¹) were significantly enhanced under N2Ca2. All measured characteristics, except stomatal conductance, differed significantly from the control (p < 0.05). These findings provide a scientific foundation for the optimized cultivation, restoration, and conservation of E. hsienmu
Foliar application of calcium, silicon, and potassium nanoparticles improves growth, and fruit quality of drought-stressed cucumber plants through modulation of osmolytes, antioxidant enzymes, photosynthesis efficiency, and phytohormones
Full text linkA field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of calcium (Ca), potassium (K), and silicon (Si) nanoparticles on growth and production under water stress conditions. The combined application of Ca, K, and Si significantly improved the growth of drought-stressed cucumber plants compared to untreated plants. All nanoparticles similarly enhanced total chlorophyll levels, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), photosynthetic rates, and water use efficiency, as well as the accumulation of indole-acetic acid (IAA) and essential nutrients [magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and nitrogen (N)] in the leaves of drought-stressed cucumber plants. The foliar application of combined K, Ca, and Si nanoparticles increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, alleviating drought stress and scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). In contrast, the combined application of Ca, K, and Si nanoparticles resulted in a significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) and abscisic acid (ABA) levels compared to the control treatment. Furthermore, the use of K, Ca, and Si nanoparticles, either alone or in combination, notably improved total yield and its components, including fruit weight and the number of fruits. Compared to untreated plants, the combined application of Ca, K, and Si nanoparticles also increased carbohydrates, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, and total phenol content, while reducing cucurbitacin content
From waste to shelf life: Olive pomace extract as a natural preservative for mangoes
Full text linkThe escalating challenge of agricultural and industrial waste, exemplified by olive pomace (OP), presents a unique opportunity to recover valuable bioactive compounds. This study pioneers a sustainable solution by transforming OP extract (OPE) into a potent natural preservative for mangoes. Our findings reveal that OPE exhibits exceptional antioxidant prowess (92% DPPH scavenging) and robust antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens. To translate these properties, we developed Arabic gum (AG) coatings enriched with OPE and applied them to mangoes. Over a 45-day storage period, these bio-integrated coatings significantly preserved fruit quality by retarding ripening, minimizing weight loss, and inhibiting decay. Furthermore, OPE not only fortified the antioxidant defence system of the mangoes but also demonstrated anti-inflammatory potential by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in the fruit rinds. This research underscores the compelling utility of OPE as a natural, multifunctional agent for enhancing mango shelf life, nutritional value, and potentially offering added health benefits. Future investigations will delve into the precise mechanisms of action and optimize OPE-based formulations for wider applications across diverse fruits and vegetables
Characterization and functional insights of photosynthetic genes MnPsbA, MnRbcL, and MnRCA in mulberry
Full text linkPhotosynthesis is the basic metabolic process of plants and the efficiency of photosynthesis is a direct result of crop yield and quality. The functions of MnPsbA, MnRbcL, and MnRCA in mulberry were investigated. The coding regions of MnPsbA, MnRbcL, and MnRCA were found to be 1062 bp, 1428 bp, and 1314 bp in length, respectively, encoding proteins of 353, 475, and 437 amino acids. MnPsbA, AtPsbA, PtPsbA1, and PtPsbA2 all contain the highly conserved Photo_RC domain and exhibit high sequence similarity. Both MnRbcL and AtRbcL contain the RuBisCO_large and RuBisCO_large_N domains, showing high homology, while PtRbcL lacks the RuBisCO_large_N domain at its C-terminus. MnRCA shares 80.7% homology with AtRCA, which 83.4% and 83.0% homology with PtRCA1 and PtRCA2, respectively. All these proteins contain the highly conserved AAA domain. The tertiary structures of MnPsbA, MnRbcL, and MnRCA show significant differences in folding and spatial orientation. Expression levels of MnPsbA, MnRbcL, and MnRCA were highest in E1 and lowest in H32. Transgenic Arabidopsis leaves exhibited significantly higher Pn peak values compared to the wild type. Additionally, the transgenic lines had significantly higher ΦPSII, qP, Chla, Chlb, and total Chl levels than the wild type. Although RuBP enzyme activity was greater in the transgenic lines, the increase was not significant. These results indicate that MnPsbA, MnRbcL, and MnRCA contribute to the photosynthesis of mulberry to varying extents. Enhancing the photosynthetic rate of mulberry leaves through these genes could potentially increase yield
Mitigation of drought stress effects on sweet potato plants by application of γ-Aminobutyric acid
Full text linkThe goal of the present study is to examine the role of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at control, 0.5, and 1 mM L-¹ in reducing the effects of drought stress and enhancing field performance on sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. var. batatas) under 2 irrigation regimes (50% and 70% exhaustion of available soil water). The results showed that,However, osmolyte content (free amino acids FAA, soluble sugars, and proline), lipid peroxidation (MDA) and activity of peroxidase (28%) showed significant increases due to water stress. In sweet potato plants, application of GABA (particularly at 1 mM L-1) showed a partial normalization of drought effects. The 1 mM dose was further active than 0.5 mM L-1 in enhancing SPAD rate, dry matter, and carotene content. Furthermore, the 1 mM L-1 dose enhanced plant growth, water status, osmotic adjustment, antioxidant defence, and nutritional acquisition. The 1 mM dose was more effective than 0.5 mM L-1 in alleviating drought effects, leading to better yield and enhanced physiological reactions. In general, application of GABA seems to be a useful priming method for semiarid sweet potato plants in reducing the negative effects of drought stress. Significant reductions in plant growth and leaf relative water content and total soluble solids were caused by water stress in sweet potato plants. Exogenous foliar application of GABA at 1 mM L-1 enhanced osmotic adjustment, water plant status, and antioxidant defence systems, also improved nutrient uptake in sweet potato plants grown under drought stress
Comparing the effects of different mycorrhizal species on physiological development and mycorrhizal dependency of citrus plant
Full text linkThe research aimed to determine the effects of different mycorrhizal species and natural mycorrhizal spores obtained from two distinct environments on the physiological development and mycorrhizal dependency of citrus seedlings. In this study, four mycorrhizal species (Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus irregularis, Claroideoglomus etunicatumand, Rhizophagus clarus) and indigenous mycorrhizal spores obtained from the rhizosphere of weeds existing in the Menekşe (Typic xerorthent) and Menzilat (Typic xerofluvent) soil series, specific to the Çukurova Region of Türkiye, were used to determine their effects on the physiological development and mycorrhizal dependencies of citrus seedlings. Cl. etunicatum species spore inoculation enhanced plant root growth in the Menzilat series, while Fu. mosseae inoculation increased seedling root development in the Menekşe series. In addition, Rh. irregularis mycorrhiza spores were successful in root development in the same soil series. Indigenous mycorrhizae spores were isolated from both the Menekşe and Menzilat soil series and successfully inoculated onto sour orange seedlings to promote growth. However, the indigenous mycorrhiza obtained from the Menzilat series was more efficient in both soil series, particularly in seedling root development. The highest mycorrhizal dependency was determined in Fu. mosseae inoculation in the Menekşe soil and Cl. etunicatum inoculation in the Menzilat soil at 96% and 84%, respectively