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Exotic plants usually exhibit problems for native species where they coexist. This study evaluated the effect of naturalized alien Cenchrus echinatus L. on native plants in urban vegetation. A field trial was conducted to assess the effect of this species on the cover and diversity of the native vegetation. The allelopathic potential of such species was examined. Sites comprising C. echinatus had a lower cover than some native species. Lower floristic diversity was observed at higher densities of this plant. The soil under this plant attained lower N, P, and K contents. This soil had no effect on the germination and growth of native species. It also comprised germinable seeds of some species which were absent from the standing vegetation. Exotic C. echinatus may exert negative effects on the native vegetation of the urban plant communities. A dense cover of this species may inhibit the germination of native species, leading to a reduction in their cover. Reduction in cover and diversity of native species may not be attributed to allelopathy. These results suggest that naturalized C. echinatus may be more competitive than the native ones, particularly at higher densities. Furthermore, it may represent a threat to the native plants in the urban vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: Jatropha curcas L. has great potential to be used as a model plant in several studies involving native forest species. The immersion in the 2,4-D solution accelerated the emission of primary roots in hardwood cuttings. Studies on vegetative propagation of native species can use Jatropha curcas L. species as a model for obtaining important information in a short time and reducing labor costs. The immersion of cuttings of native species in solutions with low concentrations of 2,4-D can favor the rooting process and vegetative propagation. Even though it is a forest native plant, there are already several studies evaluating the small genome of Jatropha curcas L., which belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, and may be an excellent representative model for the other plants from the same family. Jatropha curcas L. plant has fast growth, precocity, and great adaptability, facilitating silvicultural studies, allowing important information to be obtained quickly, and reducing labor costs. This information justifies the use of the species as a model plant in studies involving the reproduction of native plants. This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of using Jatropha curcas L. as a model plant for studies involving native forest plants and establish possible recommendations for the vegetative propagation of the species using hardwood cuttings. The information collected can be helpful to other native forest plant species, similar to Jatropha curcas L. To this end, the effects of hardwood cutting length (10, 20, and 30 cm) and the part of the hardwood cuttings (basal, middle, and apex) were evaluated. Moreover, the influence of immersing the hardwood cuttings in solutions containing micronutrients (boron or zinc) or plant regulators (2,4-D, GA3) and a biostimulant composed of kinetin (0.09 g L−1), gibberellic acid (0.05 g L−1), and 4-indole-3-butyric acid (0.05 g L−1). The experiments were carried out in duplicates. In one duplicate, sand was used as the substrate, and rooting evaluations were made 77 days after planting. In another duplicate, a substrate composed of 50% soil, 40% poultry litter, and 10% sand was used, and the evaluations of the saplings were performed 120 days after planting. The GA3 solutions inhibited the roots' and sprouts' emissions, while immersion in 2,4-D solution increased the number of primary roots at 77 days after planting. The hardwood cuttings from the basal part of the branch had the best results for producing saplings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to analyze the agronomic performance of 11 safflower genotypes using adaptability and stability methods, while identifying safflower genotypes with stable behavior and a high grain yield in different environments of the Brazilian Cerrado. Ten lines and a cultivar of safflower were evaluated in four environments in the Brazilian conditions. Our results revealed the genotypes P30, P35, P9, P11, and P31 to be superior for grain yield and P43, P7, P11, and P31 to be superior for oil content. The lowest Wricke index, an indication of genotype stability, was observed for P9 (0.41%), which is considered the most stable genotype, followed by P35 (1.29%) and P31 (1.98%). For the predictability of the behavior of genotypes in the environments, P7 (80.85%), P35 (86.10%), P31 (85.90%), and P9 (97.42%) were considered predictable genotypes. The genotypes P11 (1045.6 kg ha−1 and 19.7%) and P21 (952.7 kg ha−1 and 20.6%) are recommended for cultivation in this region, considering both their grain yield and oil content. Safflower is viable to use out of season in the Brazilian Cerrado. The crop can generate profits for farmers and be used for oil production in periods of uncertain corn production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jasmonates (JAs) are lipid-derived compounds that function in plants as key signaling compounds during stressful conditions. This study aimed to examine the effects of exogenous fo-liar-JA application (100 μmol L−1) on the morpho-physiological response of two soybean varieties (parachinar-local and swat-84) grown under different NaCl regimes (0, 40, 80, and 120 mM). Results show that exogenous JA application alone and in combination with salt stress altered the growth and metabolism of both soybeans. For instance, they accumulated significant amounts of Na+ and Cl–, while their K+, Mg2+, Fe2+, Mn2+, B3+, and P3+ contents were low. Further, photosynthetic pigments Chl a and Chl b increased at low concentrations of salt and exogenous JA. Car decreased under both salt and exogenous JA as compared with untreated control. In addition, sugar, phenol, and protein content increased under both salt and exogenous JA application. In contrast, the exogenous JA application alleviated the negative impact of salt stress on the growth and metabolism of both soybeans. Further, the high concentrations of soluble protein and phenol in the leaves of both soybeans may contribute to their ability to adapt to salinity. However, molecular studies are necessary to understand the ameliorative role of exogenous JA in the growth and metabolism of salt-treated young seedlings in both soybean varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marrubium vulgare is a valuable source of natural bioactive molecules with high preventive and therapeutic effectiveness. Therefore, this study aimed to study the chemical polymorphism of natural populations of M. vulgare in Tunisia by quantitative chemical markers and the estimation of divergence between populations. Phytochemical analyses of the eight natural populations of Tunisian Marrubium vulgare prospected in different bioclimatic stages, revealed 42 compounds of essential oils representing 96.08% to 100% of the total oil. Hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes were the main fraction of all the populations studied and β-bisabolene was the major compound (from 30.11% to 71.35% of the total oil). The phytochemical investigation of the M. vulgare plant indicated the presence of essential oil with significant percentages of phenolic compounds. A significant quantitative and qualitative variation in the essential oils is detected for both major and minor compounds. The principal components analysis (PCA) performed in the single and combined traits provides a good distinction among populations, not according to their geographical and/or bioclimatic origins. Moreover, the phytochemical analysis of the leaves showed that the Tunisian populations, i.e., the populations of Kasserine, Kef, and Beja, were very rich in phenolic compounds (from 20.8 to 44.65 mg GAE/g DW). Flavonoids compounds were also the main class of total polyphenols present in all the tested populations (from 8.91 to 37.48 mg RE/g DW). The quantitative genetic diversity estimated by the population's structure, based on PCA analysis, was an adaptation to the changes in the environmental conditions. Overall, our study indicated that natural populations of M. vulgare had different chemotypes of essential oils and they were rich in phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids, which opens a new prospect for industrial use and differential exploitation of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) toxicity strongly influences plants growth and seed germination in crop plants. This pot trial had aimed evaluate the benefits of two different kinds of phosphorus (P)-fertilizer in the phytoremediation of Cd by Solanum nigrum L. The current pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the role of P-fertilizers in phytoremediation of Cd by Solanum nigrum L. Single superphosphate (SSP) contain 7 to 9% P and Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) contain 46% P had been applied in single and combine form in soil with different ratios (0:0, 100:0, 0:100, 50:50%) accompanied by diverse Cd levels (0, 25, 50 mg kg−1). Three weeks seeding were transferred into pots, and plants had been harvested afterward seventy days of growth in the pots. Significantly inhibited plant growth was observed in shoots and roots of Cd contaminated plants. Cadmium stress had stimulated oxidative stress in subjected plants. However, supplementation of P-fertilizers in an optimum manner significantly increased plant biomass along with enhancing antioxidants enzymatic activities and inhibiting oxidative stress. Maximum plant-growth had been noted in SSP + DAP supplemented plants in contrast to single SSP, DAP supplemented plants. Higher Cd concentrations observed in SSP + DAP supplemented plants over single treatment. It has been concluded that combination of SSP + DAP might be a better option to improve growth as well as uptake capacity of Solanum nigrum L. under Cd stress. However, a field study is recommended for detailed future investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible sprouts are rich in flavonoids and other polyphenols, as well as proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Increasing sprout consumption necessitates improving their quality, palatability, and bioactivity. The purpose of this study was to test how KNO3 priming affects the sprouting process species on three Medicago species (Medicago indicus, Medicago interexta, and Medicago polymorpha) and their nutritional values. Targeted species of Medicago were primed with KNO3, and the levels of different primary and secondary metabolites were determined. KNO3 induced biomass accumulation in the sprouts of the three species, accompanied by an increased content of total mineral nutrients, pigments, vitamins, and essential amino acids. Besides, our results showed that KNO3 enhanced the activity of nitrate reductase (NR), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), and glutamine synthetase (GS) enzymes, which are involved in the nitrogen metabolism and GOGAT cycle, which, in turn, increase the nitrogen and protein production. KNO3 treatment improved the bioactive compound activities of Medicago sprouts by increasing total phenolic and flavonoid contents and enhancing the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. Furthermore, species-specific responses toward KNO3 priming were noticeable, where Medicago interexta showed the highest antioxidant and antidiabetic activities, followed by Medicago polymorpha. Overall, this study sheds the light on the physiological and biochemical bases of growth, metabolism, and tissue quality improvement impact of KNO3 on Medicago sprouts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared to seeds and mature tissues, sprouts are well known for their higher nutritive and biological values. Fruits of Pimpinella anisum (anise) are extensively consumed as food additives; however, the sprouting-induced changes in their nutritious metabolites are hardly studied. Herein, we investigated the bioactive metabolites, phytochemicals, and antioxidant properties of fruits, sprouts (9-day-old), and mature tissue (5-week-old) of anise under laser irradiation treatment (He-Ne laser, 632 nm). Laser treatment increased biomass accumulation of both anise sprouts and mature plants. Bioactive primary (e.g., proteins and sugars) and secondary metabolites (e.g., phenolic compounds), as well as mineral levels, were significantly enhanced by sprouting and/or laser light treatment. Meanwhile, laser light has improved the levels of essential oils and their related precursors (e.g., phenylalanine), as well as enzyme activities [e.g., O–methyltransferase and 3-Deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate synthase (DAHPS)] in mature tissues. Moreover, laser light induced higher levels of antioxidant and anti-lipidemic activities in sprouts as compared to fruits and mature tissues. Particularly at the sprouting stage, anise was more responsive to laser light treatment than mature plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caraway plants have been known as a rich source of phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, monoterpenoid glucosides and alkaloids. In this regard, the application of elevated CO2 (eCO2) as a bio-enhancer for increasing plant growth and phytochemical content has been the focus of many studies; however, the interaction between eCO2 and plants at different developmental stages has not been extensively explored. Thus, the present study aimed at investigating the changes in growth, photosynthesis and phytochemicals of caraway plants at two developmental stages (sprouts and mature tissues) under control and increased CO2 conditions (ambient CO2 (a CO2, 400 ± 27 μmol CO2 mol−1 air) and eCO2, 620 ± 42 μmol CO2 mol−1 air ppm). Moreover, we evaluated the impact of eCO2-induced changes in plant metabolites on the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of caraway sprouts and mature plants. CO2 enrichment increased photosynthesis and biomass accumulation of both caraway stages. Regarding their phytochemical contents, caraway plants interacted differently with eCO2, depending on their developmental stages. High levels of CO2 enhanced the production of total nutrients, i.e., carbohydrates, proteins, fats and crude fibers, as well as organic and amino acids, in an equal pattern in both caraway sprouts and mature plants. Interestingly, the eCO2-induced effect on minerals, vitamins and phenolics was more pronounced in caraway sprouts than the mature tissues. Furthermore, the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of caraway plants were enhanced under eCO2 treatment, particularly at the mature stage. Overall, eCO2 provoked changes in the phytochemical contents of caraway plants, particularly at the sprouting stage and, hence, improved their nutritive and health-promoting properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molybdenum ions (Mo) can improve plants' nutritional value primarily by enhancing nitrogenous metabolism. In this study, the comparative effects of seed priming using Mo were evaluated among sproutings of Canavalia species/cultivars, including Canavalia ensiformis var. gladiata (CA1), Canavalia ensiformis var. truncata Ricker (CA2), and Canavalia gladiata var. alba Hisauc (CA3). Mo impacts on growth, metabolism (e.g., nitrogen and phenolic metabolism, pigment and total nutrient profiles), and biological activities were assayed. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to correlate Mo-mediated impacts. The results showed that Mo induced photosynthetic pigments that resulted in an improvement in growth and increased biomass. The N content was increased 0.3-fold in CA3 and 0.2-fold in CA1 and CA2. Enhanced nitrogen metabolism by Mo provided the precursors for amino acids, protein, and lipid biosynthesis. At the secondary metabolic level, phenolic metabolism-related precursors and enzyme activities were also differentially increased in Canavalia species/cultivars. The observed increase in metabolism resulted in the enhancement of the antioxidant (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) free radical scavenging, 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)) and antidiabetic potential (Glycemic index (GI) and inhibition activity of α-amylase, and α-glucosidase) of species. The antioxidant activity increased 20% in CA3, 14% in CA1, and 8% in CA2. Furthermore, PCA showed significant variations not only between Mo-treated and untreated samples but also among Canavalia species. Overall, this study indicated that the sprouts of Canavalia species have tremendous potential for commercial usage due to their high nutritive value, which can be enhanced further with Mo treatment to accomplish the demand for nutritious feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal and traditional medicines can play a pivotal role in combating cancer and neglected tropical diseases. Ajuga bracteosa, family Lamiaceae, is an important medicinal plant. The genetic transformation of A. bracteosa with rol genes of Agrobacterium rhizogenes further enhances its metabolic content. This study aimed at undertaking the molecular, phytochemical, and in vitro biological analysis of A. bracteosa extracts. We transformed the A. bracteosa plant with rol genes and raised the regenerants from the hairy roots. Transgenic integration and expression of rolB were confirmed by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and qPCR analysis. The methanol: chloroform crude extracts of wild-type plants and transgenic regenerants were screened for in vitro antibacterial, antihemolytic, cytotoxic, anticancer, and leishmanial activity. Among all plants, transgenic line 3 (ABRL3) showed the highest expression of the rolB gene. Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) analysis confirmed the enhanced number of functional groups of active compounds in all transgenic lines. Moreover, ABRL3 exhibited the highest antibacterial activity, minimum hemolytic activity (CC50 = 7293.05 ± 7 μg/mL) and maximum antileishmanial activity (IC50 of 56.16 ± 2 μg/mL). ABRL1 demonstrated the most prominent brine shrimp cytotoxicity (LD5039.6 ± 4 μg/mL). ABRL3 was most effective against various human cancer cell lines with an IC50 of 57.1 ± 2.2 μg/mL, 46.2 ± 1.1 μg/mL, 72.4 ± 1.3 μg/mL, 73.3 ± 2.1 μg/mL, 98.7 ± 1.6 μg/mL, and 97.1 ± 2.5 μg/mL against HepG2, LM3, A549, HT29, MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231, respectively. Overall, these transgenic extracts may offer a cheaper therapeutic source than the more expensive synthetic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased problems associated with side effects and bacterial resistance of chemical drugs has prompted the research focus on herbal medicines in the past few decades. In the present investigation, the antimicrobial activity of the various parts of Avicennia marina (AM), a mangrove plant, has been evaluated. The plants were collected from the Jazan area of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Primary extracts of roots, stem, leaves, fruits, and seeds were made in ethanol and fractioned in ethanol, ethyl acetate, petroleum ether, chloroform, and water. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extracts were determined against Bacillussubtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. It has been observed that the chloroform extract of roots of the AM exhibited inhibitory effects against both S. aureus (MIC = 1.5 ± 0.03 mg/mL) and E. coli (MIC = 1.7 ± 0.01 mg/mL). The ethanolic extract of the AM roots has shown antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 10.8 ± 0.78 mg/mL), Bacillussubtilis (MIC = 6.1 ± 0.27 mg/mL), Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 2.3 ± 0.08 mg/mL), and Escherichia coli (MIC = 6.3 ± 0.28 mg/mL). The leaf extract of the AM in ethyl acetate showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. Antifungal activity of these extracts was also investigated against Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans. Ethanolic extract of roots and seeds of the AM has shown antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus when applied individually. Ethanolic extract of the AM fruits has shown an inhibitory effect on the growth of Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans. It is suggested that the plant extracts of AM have tremendous antimicrobial activity against a group of microbes, and this effect depends on both the plant part and the solvent used for extraction. Therefore, this plant can be considered to treat various diseases caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient protocol of plant regeneration through indirect organogenesis in Viola serpens was developed in the present study. Culture of leaf explants on MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/L 6-benzyladenine and 0.13 mg/L 2,4-dichloro phenoxy acetic acid. Adventitious shoot formation was observed when calli were transferred on to MS medium containing 0.5 mg/L α-naphthalene acetic acid and 2.25 mg/L kinetin, which showed the maximum 86% shoot regeneration frequency. The highest root frequency (80.92%) with the 5.6 roots per explant and 1.87 cm root length was observed on MS medium supplemented with 2 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid. The plantlets were transferred to the mixture of sand, coffee husk and soil in the ratio of 1:2:1 in a pot, and placed under 80% shade net for one month. It was then transferred to 30% shade net for another one month, prior to transplantation in the field. These plantlets successfully acclimatized under field conditions. A Sequence Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR) marker was also developed using a 1135 bp amplicon that was obtained from RAPD (Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA) analysis of six accessions of V. serpens. Testing of several market samples of V. serpens using the SCAR marker revealed successful identification of the genuine samples of V. serpens. This study, therefore, provides a proficient in vitro propagation protocol of V. serpens using leaf explants and a SCAR marker for the authentic identification of V. serpens. This study will be helpful for conservation of authentic V. serpens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]