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Aim How plants cope with increases in population density via root plasticity is not well documented, although abiotic environments and plant ontogeny may have important roles in determining root response to density. To investigate how plant root plasticity in response to density varies with soil conditions and growth stages, we conducted a field experiment with an annual herbaceous species (Abutilon theophrasti). Methods Plants were grown at low, medium, and high densities (13.4, 36.0, and 121.0 plants m−2, respectively), under fertile and infertile soil conditions, and a series of root traits were measured after 30, 50, and 70 days. Results Root allocation increased, decreased, or canalized in response to density, depending on soil conditions and stages of plant growth, indicating the complex effects of population density, including both competitive and facilitative effects. Main conclusions Root allocation was promoted by neighbor roots at early stages and in abundant resource availability, due to low‐to‐moderate belowground interactions among smaller plants, leading to facilitation. As plants grew, competition intensified and infertile soil aggravated belowground competition, leading to decreased root allocation in response to density. Root growth may be more likely restricted horizontally rather than vertically by the presence of neighbor, suggesting a spatial orientation effect in their responses to density. We emphasized the importance of considering effects of abiotic conditions and plant growth stages in elucidating the complexity of density effects on root traits., The research revealed the complexity of root response to density, which may increase, decrease, or canalize, depending on the strength of above‐ and belowground interactions, which varied with soil conditions or growth stage.

The total ethanolic extract, different fractions and crude polysaccharides of leaves of Abutilon hirtum (Lam.) Sweet, were evaluated for their antimicrobial and antiparasitic activities. The antimicrobial activity was determined using the disc diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive, Facultative anaerobic bacteria), Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative, Facultative anaerobic bacteria), Candida albicans, C. krusei (Diploid fungi) and C. glabrata (haploid fungus). The antimalarial activity was examined on chloroquine-sensitive (D6, Sierra Leone) strain of Plasmodium falciparum protozoan and the antileishmanial activity was tested against Leishmania donovani. The results of the present study showed that the total extract exhibited the lowest MIC (11.8 μg/ml) against P. aeruginosa. While, the chloroform fraction showed low MIC (59.03, 181.72 and 364.03 μg/ml) against S. aureus, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa, respectively. The petroleum ether fraction exhibited the lowest MIC value (3.00 μg/ml) against C. albicans, while the total extract showed the lowest MIC (33.11 μg/ml) against C. glabrata. A. hirtum leaves extract and fractions showed a weak antimalarial activity. On the other hand, the chloroform fraction of A. hirtum leaves exhibited a potent antileishmanial activity with the highest percentage of inhibition (78%) against Leishmania donovani AMASTTHP_Pinh.

The Volatile oil of Abutilon hirtum (Lam.) Sweet leaves extracted by a Clevenger approach and the fatty acid content of this species as a result of petroleum ether extraction were investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. GC-MS analysis of the volatile oil revealed the presence of 63 compounds, with (2E,6E)-farnesol (6.56%), E-caryophyllene (4.68%), caryophyllene oxide (4.37%) and βcopaen-4-α-ol (3.51%) as the major components. On the other hand, 8 fatty acids of which three were identified as linolenic acid methyl ester, which was the major identified fatty acid methyl ester (38.74%), followed by palmitic acid methyl ester (29.09%) and linoleic acid methyl ester (18.14%). The identification of the compounds depends on the retention time and mass spectrum.

Volatilization, one of the most important mechanisms of the allelopathic effects of an exotic noxious weed Mikania micrantha, has not been adequately investigated to date. In this study, laboratory bioassays showed that the effects of volatiles from the leaves and flowers of M. micrantha on seed germination and seedling growth were negative for all four tested plants (Lactuca sativa, Chrysanthemum coronarium, Bidens pilosa, Abutilon theophrasti). Moreover, the inhibitory effect of the leaf volatiles was generally greater than that of the flower volatiles. To assess the reason for the above differences and further explore which compounds played the most crucial roles, the volatiles from the two tissues were absorbed by solid phase microextraction (SPME) and identified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Then, 19 and 10 terpenes were determined respectively. α-Terpineol, β-ocimene, β-myrcene, α-pinene and caryophyllene had the maximum differences in content and concentration, which were selected for further bioassays with B. pilosa. The results indicated that morphological indices and SOD activity decreased with increasing concentrations of chemicals, whereas the contents of chlorophyll, soluble protein and MDA represented adverse changes. In addition, significant responses were observed in the treatments with α-terpineol at 1.0 μL·L−1 and lower concentrations, while similar trends were observed in the treatments with β-ocimene, β-myrcene, α-pinene and caryophyllene at 10 μL·L−1 and higher concentrations. It was concluded that terpenoids released through volatilization have an important role in the allelopathic effect of M. micrantha, and the oxygenated monoterpene α-terpineol played a crucial role in these effects.

Velvetleaf is an economically important weed in agronomic crops in Nebraska and the United States. Dicamba applied alone usually does not provide complete velvetleaf control, particularly when velvetleaf is taller than 15 cm. The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate the interaction of dicamba, fluthiacet-methyl, and glyphosate applied alone or in a mixture in two- or three-way combinations for velvetleaf control in dicamba/glyphosate–resistant (DGR) soybean and to evaluate whether velvetleaf height (≤12 cm or ≤20 cm) at the time of herbicide application influences herbicide efficacy, velvetleaf density, biomass, and soybean yield. Field experiments were conducted near Clay Center, NE in 2019 and 2020. The experiment was arranged in a split-plot with velvetleaf height (≤12 cm or ≤20 cm) as the main plot treatment and herbicides as subplot treatment. Fluthiacet provided ≥94% velvetleaf control 28 d after treatment (DAT) and ≥96% biomass reduction regardless of application rate or velvetleaf height. Velvetleaf control was 31% to 74% at 28 DAT when dicamba or glyphosate was applied alone to velvetleaf ≤20 cm tall compared with 47% to 100% control applied to ≤12-cm-tall plants. Dicamba applied alone to ≤20-cm-tall velvetleaf provided −1 + fluthiacet at 7.2 g ai ha−1 or glyphosate at 1,260 g ae ha−1. Dicamba at 280 g ae ha−1 + glyphosate at 630 g ae ha−1 applied to ≤20-cm-tall velvetleaf resulted in 86% control 28 DAT compared with the expected 99% control. The interaction of dicamba + fluthiacet + glyphosate was additive for velvetleaf control and biomass reduction regardless of application rate and velvetleaf height.

BACKGROUND Herbicides acting on biosynthesis of plant pigments have contributed greatly to weed control in recent years. In our previous studies, 2-methoxybenzamides were discovered as a novel type of lead compound for the development of bleaching herbicides. RESULTS A total of 67 benzamide analogues were synthesized and evaluated for herbicidal activity. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) revealed that a methoxyl substitution at the 2-position of the benzoyl moiety is essential for the herbicidal activity of benzamide derivatives, and introduction of small substituents at the meta- or para-position of the benzylamine moiety is also beneficial. Compounds 4, 43 and 44 showed 100% inhibition against Abutilon theophrasti and Amaranthus retroflexus at an application rate of 150 g a.i. ha-1 . CONCLUSION The relationship between the structure and herbicidal activity of 2-methoxybenzamides was discussed intensively. Compounds 4, 43 and 44 may serve as novel candidates with a bleaching effect. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

The relationship between six Abutilon species was examined using different taxonomic investigation tools. The investigation was carried out using morphological and numerical studies. Fresh materials of Abutilon species were collected from different localities in Saudi Arabia during 2018 and 2019. Numerical analysis was based on the Principle Coordinates, the Principle Component and the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Algorithm Clustering. The results indicated that there were significant differences based on the morphological characters especially in the leaves, fruits and flowers features. Morphometric studies revealed that the six species of Abutilon clearly separated in all different analysis.

In order to discover novel plant growth regulators and herbicides with new modes of action for crops production management and improvement, a series of new urea derivatives were designed and synthesized. The bioassay results demonstrated that target compounds exhibited remarkable inhibitory activities in the growth of hypocotyls and taproots and good promoting activity in the generation of lateral roots on Arabidopsis and rice, and compound Y9k showed considerable inhibition effects on germination of Bidens and growth of Abutilon in the herbicidal assay. These results suggested that compound Y9k may be a potential lead structure as a novel plant growth regulator for plant type regulation and weed control.

Cotton flea beetle, Podagrica puncticollis is the most destructive insect pest of cotton in north-western part of Ethiopia. This study was conducted to identify and determine the host range of cotton flea beetle in Metema area. The field survey was undertaken from June 27, 2015 to January 9, 2016 in ten kebele administrations of the district. At least three fields were prospected after every 15 days, in each kebele for host plants as well as to determine population density and percent leaf damage by adult cotton flea beetle, at different growth stages of cotton plant. The composition of plant species with damaged symptom or infested by flea beetle was analysed using quantitative means and identified by comparing specimens with description of identification manuals. A total of 11 host plant species of cotton flea beetle were identified in the cotton growing areas of Metema throughout a season. Indigofera longibarbata (Fabaceae), Hibiscus articulatus, H. cannabinus, H. vitifolius, Abutilon figarianum, Sida alba and S. urens (Malvaceae), Bidens pilosa and B. setigera (Asteraceae), Corchorus olitorius and C. trilocularis (Tiliaceae) found to be common host plants of cotton flea beetle. Thus, among the host plants, H. vitifolius, H. cannabinus, H. articulatus, C. olitorius and C. trilocularis were the most suitable hosts for adult cotton flea beetle in respect of the number of adults per plant and percent foliage damage they sustained. These findings could aid in developing longterm management strategies for this important insect pest existing in a hot dry tropical environment of north-western Ethiopia.

The present study investigated integrated effects of two allelopathic plant water extracts (WE) (Ambrosia artemisiifolia [AMBEL] and Xanthium strumarium [XANST]) and a herbicide (mesotrione) on morphological (height and fresh weight of plants) and physiological (pigments content) parameters of Abutilon theophrasti and Chenopodium album. Also, the study aimed to identify the main components of AMBEL and XANST WE and to evaluate their potential allelopathic effects. Of the 18 investigated compounds, 13 were detected in both tested WE, and p-coumaric acid was the leading component in AMBEL, while quinic acid was the predominant component of XANST. The WE of both weed species and their mixtures with the herbicide exhibited more powerful allelopathic effects on fresh weight and content of pigments than on the height of A. theophrasti and C. album. The results showed that all measured parameters of both weeds were inhibited in treatments with mesotrione and its mix with AMBEL and XANST WE. The data revealed a highly significant difference in effects (P

Three new species of Callianthe (Malvaceae) from southern Brazil and northeastern Argentina are described, and illustrated: C. flava, C. maritima, and C. sulcatarinensis. Morphological descriptions, distribution maps, photographs, ecological notes, and a table comparing these species to two morphologically similar species, C. amoena and C. muelleri-friderici, are presented. Two of the three newly-described species, C. maritima and C. sulcatarinensis, so far are considered endemic and according to IUCN criteria, fit into the categories Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (VU), respectively. A new combination C. costicalyx, based on Abutilon costicalyx, also is proposed.

Plant fibers are sustainable sources of materials for many industries, and can be obtained from a variety of plants. Cellulose is the main constituent of plant-based fibers, and its properties give the characteristics of the fibers obtained. Detailed characterization of cellulosic fibers is often performed after lengthy extraction procedures, while fast screening might bring the benefit of quick qualitative assessment of unprocessed stems. The aim of this research was to define some marker spectral regions that could serve for fast, preliminary qualitative characterization of unprocessed stems from some textile plants through a practical and minimally invasive method without lengthy extraction procedures. This could serve as a screening method for sorting raw materials by providing an accurate overall fingerprint of chemical composition. For this purpose, we conducted comparative Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) prospecting for quality markers in stems of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), velvet leaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik.), hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) and jute (Corchorus olitorius L.). Analysis confirmed the presence of major components in the stems of the studied plants. Fingerprint regions for cellulose signals were attributed to bands at 1420–1428 cm−1 assigned to the crystalline region and 896–898 cm−1 assigned to the amorphous region of cellulose. The optimization of characterization methods for raw materials is important and can find immediate practical applications.

Velvetleaf is an economically important weed in popcorn production fields in Nebraska. Many PRE herbicides in popcorn have limited residual activity or provide partial velvetleaf control. There are a limited number of herbicides applied POST in popcorn compared with field corn, necessitating the evaluation of POST herbicides for control of velvetleaf. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the efficacy and crop safety of labeled POST herbicides for controlling velvetleaf that survived S-metolachlor/atrazine applied PRE and (2) determine the effect of velvetleaf height on POST herbicide efficacy, popcorn injury, and yield. Field experiments were conducted in 2018 and 2019 near Clay Center, Nebraska. The experiments were arranged in a split-plot design with four replications. The main plot treatments were velvetleaf height (≤15 cm and ≤30 cm) and subplot treatments included a no-POST herbicide control, and 11 POST herbicide programs. Fluthiacet-methyl, fluthiacet-methyl/mesotrione, carfentrazone-ethyl, dicamba, and dicamba/diflufenzopyr provided greater than 96% velvetleaf control 28 d after treatment (DAT), reduced velvetleaf density to fewer than 7 plants m−2, achieved 99% to 100% biomass reduction, and had no effect on popcorn yield. Herbicide programs tested in this study provided greater than 98% control of velvetleaf 28 DAT in 2019. Most POST herbicide programs in this study provided greater than 90% control of up to 15 cm and up to 30 cm velvetleaf and no differences between velvetleaf heights in density, biomass reduction, or popcorn yield were observed, except with topramezone and nicosulfuron/mesotrione 28 DAT in 2018. On the basis of contrast analysis, herbicide programs with fluthiacet-methyl or dicamba provided better control than herbicide programs without them at 28 DAT in 2018. It is concluded that POST herbicides are available for control of velvetleaf up to 30-cm tall in popcorn production fields.

Methyl bromide (MB), a dominant ozone-depleting substance, is scheduled to be completely phased out for soil fumigation by December 30th 2018, in China. The combined effects of dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) plus metham sodium (MNa) were assessed in controlling soilborne pests for soil fumigation. A study was designed in laboratory for the evaluation of the efficacy of DMDS + MNa to control major soilborne pests. At the same time, two trials were conducted in cucumber field located in Tongzhou (in 2012) and Shunyi (in 2013), respectively, in order to assess the potential of DMDS + MNa in controlling soilborne pests. Laboratory studies disclosed positive synergistic effects of almost all four used combinations on Meloidogyne spp., Fusarium spp., Phytophthora spp., Abutilon theophrasti and Digitaria sanguinalis. Field trials found that DMDS + MNa (30 + 21 g a. i. m−2), both at a 50% reduced dose, effectively suppressed Meloidogyne spp. with a low root galling index (2.1% and 11.7%), significantly reduced the levels of Phytophthora and Fusarium spp. with a low root disease index (7.5% and 15.8%), gave very high cucumber yields (6.75 kg m−2 and 10.03 kg m−2), and increased income for cucumber growers with the highest economic benefits (20.91 ¥ m−2 and 23.58 ¥ m−2). The combination treatment provided similar results as MB standard dose treatment (40 g a. i. m−2) or DMDS standard dose treatment (60 g a. i. m−2) in pest control and yield, but was more effective than MNa standard dose treatment (42 g a. i. m−2). Usage of all chemical treatments gave better significant results than the untreated group of control. Considering the economic benefits, the DMDS plus MNa combination (30 + 21 g a. i. m−2) could be used for soil fumigation in cucumber production in China.

Three new 5-deoxyflavonoid and dihydroflavonoids 2, 3 and 4 have been isolated from the methanolic extract of Abutioln pakistanicum aerial parts, for which structures were elucidated explicitly by extensive MS- and NMR-experiments. In addition to these, 3,7,4′-trihydroxy-3′-methoxy flavonol (1) is reported for the first time from Abutioln pakistanicum. Compound 2 and 4 are p-coumaric acid esters while compounds 2–4 exhibited α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Docking studies indicated that the ability of flavonoids 2, 3 and 4 to form multiple hydrogen bonds with catalytically important residues is decisive hence is responsible for the inhibition activity. The docking results signified the observed in-vitro activity quite well which is in accordance with previously obtained conclusion that phenol moiety and hydroxyl group are critical for the inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme.

Background and purpose: Abutilon theophrasti Medik (velvetleaf) is an invasive plant well spread in Croatia as noxious weed species. The aim of this study was to provide morphological, phenological and reproductive information of velvetleaf grown under various densities: 2, 5, 10 and 20 plants m-2. Material and methods: The field experiment was conducted in 2014 at University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture as complete randomized blocks design. Throughout the vegetation morphological (hypocotyl and epicotyls length, number of leaves and branches, plant height, shoot dry weight and diameter), phenological (beginning of flowering end of flowering and first capsule formation; GDD to beginning of flowering end of flowering and first capsule formation) and reproductive (capsules plant-1, seed capsules -1, seeds plant-1, seeds m-2, 1000 seeds weight and germinability) characteristics were measured. Results and conclusion: Mostly all morphological and reproductive characteristics were significantly affected by plant density. Increase of velvetleaf competition from 2 to 20 plants m-2 hasreduced number of capsule and consequently almost five fold decreased seed production per plant. However, plants which have been growing at densities > 5 plants m-2 produced in average 50% more seeds per land area than plants at the lowest density. Low germinability at harvest (2%) and six month later (15%) indicate on primary dormancy and possibility for longevity in soil if plants are left uncontrolled in the field. In contrast to morphological and reproductive changes, plants in high density did not showed increasing growing degree days requirements.

Abutilon theophrasti Medic. is widely distributed around the world, and the episperms part is rich in phenols and flavonoids compounds. The current study focused on the extraction technology, components analysis, in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities of total flavonoids from Abutilon theophrasti Medic. episperms. The extraction process of total flavonoids fraction was optimized by response surface method, and the antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated with the assay of radical scavenging activity and reducing power, micro-dilution broth method, and lipopolysaccharide induced mouse mononuclear macrophage leukemia cells RAW 264.7 model, respectively. The maximum extraction yield was achieved with concentration of ethanol solution 10%, ratio of solvent to material 30:1 ml/g, and ultrasonic extraction time 29.52 min. Moreover, seven compositions from total flavonoids fraction were detected separately, and four compounds were identified by high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-electrospray ionization-mass spectran. In addition, total flavonoids fraction from Abutilon theophrasti Medic. episperms exhibited a better antioxidant activity demonstrated by ferric ion reducing antioxidant power, 2, 2′ - azino - bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline -6-sulfonic acid diammonium salt, and 2, 2 -diphenyl -1-picrylhydrazyl radicals scavenging ability, and antibacterial against Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Staphyloccocus aureus, and Streptococcus, and anti-inflammatory activities in lipopolysaccharide induced RAW 264.7 cells. In a word, the present findings suggest that the total flavonoids fraction from Abutilon theophrasti Medic. episperms was a very interesting candidate for the research and development of natural and healthy antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory agent for food, pharmaceutical, and medicine industries.

Context: ALI is a common disease characterized by acute pulmonary inflammatory disorder. Abutilon theophrasti Medik. (Malvaceae), as a Chinese traditional medicine, is used for the treatment of inflammation. Its main constituents are flavonoid compounds. Objective: This study investigates the regulatory effect of a TFE from Abutilon theophrasti leaves on gene expression in LPS-induced ALI mice via the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Materials and methods: Kunming mice were intragastrically administered TFE (0.25, 0.5, 1.0 g/kg) for 5 days, and then ALI was induced via intranasal administration 40 μg of LPS in 10 μL PBS after intragastric administration on the 5th day, and PBS and DEX (2 mg/kg) were negative and positive control groups, respectively. Results: The relative expression of iNOS gene was 0.707, 0.507 and 0.483 for 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg TFE, and COX-2 gene expression was also reduced after treatment by three concentrations of TFE with 0.768, 0.545, and 0.478. The mRNA expression levels of p65 were 0.61, 0.43 and 0.27 for 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg TFE and IκB levels were increased in a dose-dependent manner with 3.99, 13.69 and 34.36. 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg TFE inhibited the expression of ERK1/2 with 0.59 and 0.38, p38MAPK with 0.62 and 0.54, and JNK with 0.37 and 0.29, and JNK mRNA expression was 0.60 for 0.25 g/kg TFE. Discussion and conclusion: These results indicate that the regulatory mechanisms of TFE on gene expression in LPS-induced ALI mice include inhibition of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.

A widely distributed infraspecific taxon, Abutilon indicum subsp. albescens var. australiense is collected after lapse of six decades from peninsular India and recognized here as distinct species, Abutilon australiense comb. et stat. nov. The detailed comparative morphology with its associated taxa has been discussed in the present article with updated nomenclature and typification.

The effects of 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) plus dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) soil treatments on soilborne pests and tomato growth were evaluated in one laboratory study and two field trials. The laboratory study established that the combined effects were more efficient than the individual effects. The combinations completely suppressed the growth of Abutilon theophrasti and Digitaria sanguinalis and provided excellent control efficacy (>90%) against Meloidogyne spp., good effects (>86%) against Fusarium spp., and moderate activity (>61%) against Phytophthora spp. In the two field trials, compared to the untreated control, 1,3-D:DMDS (1:4) (50 g/m2), both at a 50% reduced dose, successfully controlled the damage of Meloidogyne spp. to tomato roots with evidence of a low root galling index (4.2% and 9.6%, respectively), sharply suppressed the pathogenic activity of Fusarium spp. and Phytophthora spp. shown with a low root disease index (both 8.3%) and significantly (P = 0.05) increased tomato yield and income, which was similar to the methyl bromide (MB) standard dose treatment (50 g/m2) and DMDS standard dose treatment (80 g/m2) but better than the 1,3-D standard dose treatment (20 g/m2). The results suggest that 1,3-D:DMDS (1:4) soil treatments (50 g/m2) could be applied in tomato production to prevent soilborne pests.

Natural fibre based composites are being used more frequently in the automotive industry because of their positive characteristics. Fibres currently used and mostly imported to Europe do not sufficiently meet all the demands for natural fibres. As a new fibre plant velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) has been taken into consideration. However, there is no knowledge about the cultivation of velvetleaf in Europe. Four field trials in southwest Germany were set up to investigate the potential of fibre yield in a temperate climate. The factors crop density, nitrogen fertilization, accessions, and different harvesting dates were tested. Across all experiments fibre yield ranged from 0.4 to 1.5 t ha-1 dry matter. The highest yields were achieved with a crop density of 30 plants m-2, and with N fertilization of 100-150 kg N ha-1 for the accession ‘Herbiseed’. For highest fibre yield, the date of harvest should be at the beginning of maturity. This study provides first insights into possibility and variation of cultivating velvetleaf and suggests adequate fibre yield when cultivated in proper plant density and appropriate accession. However, before the plant can be implemented as a new crop, more research on fibre quality and breeding activity to improve agronomic factors is required.

Invasive plant species (IAS), with their numerous negative ecological, health, and economic impacts, represent one of the greatest conservation challenges in the world. Reducing the negative impacts and potentially exploiting the biomass of these plant species can significantly contribute to sustainable management, protect biodiversity, and create a healthy environment. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional potential, phytochemical status, and antioxidant capacity of nine alien invasive plant species: Abutilon theophrasti, Amaranthus retroflexus, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Datura stramonium, Erigeron annuus, Galinsoga ciliata, Reynoutria japonica, Solidago gigantea, and Sorghum halepense. Multivariate statistical methods such as cluster and PCA were performed to determine possible connections and correlations among selected IAS depending on the phytochemical content. According to the obtained results, R. japonica was notable with the highest content of vitamin C (38.46 mg/100 g FW), while E. annuus (1365.92 mg GAE/100 g FW) showed the highest values of total polyphenolic compounds. A. retroflexus was characterized by the highest content of total chlorophylls (0.26 mg/g) and antioxidant capacity (2221.97 µmol TE/kg). Therefore, it can be concluded that the selected IAS represent nutrient-rich plant material with significant potential for the recovering of bioactive compounds.

summary We studied the effects of mycorrhizal infection by Glomus etunicatum Becker & Gerd. and P amendment (three levels) on growth and reproduction of Abutilon theophrasti Medic. Mycorrhizal infection increased total leaf area, but individual leaf size was more-affected than leaf number. Mycorrhizal infection decreased the time taken to initiate flowering, increased the total duration of flowering, and increased seed production by increasing the number of flowers produced, the proportion of flowers producing fruits, and the number of seeds per fruit. Seeds produced by mycorrhizal plants were also heavier and contained more N and P than those produced by non-mycorrhizal plants, P amendment generally had similar influences to mycorrhizal infection, but seed P content was far more plastic in response TO P amendment than to mycorrhizal infection. The various components of reproduction were not uniformly affected by either mycorrhizal infection or P amendment. The most phenotypically plastic reproductive components were fruit production and seed P content. The least plastic components were seed weight and seed N content.

The Linnaean names Malva abutiloides, Sida alba, Sida americana, and Sida triquetra are investigated. Sida alba is a nomen nudum and not validly published according to the Art. 38.1 of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants. Sida triquetra is a superfluous and illegitimate name, replacement of the legitimate Sida trisulcata by Jacquin. The name S. americana is lectotypified by a specimen kept at LINN (No. 866.25). For nomenclatural purposes, the names Abutilon dentatum (= A. abutiloides), Albutilon ramosissimum (= S. trisulcata), Sida tricuspidata (= A. abutiloides), and Sida lignosa (= A. abutiloides) were also studied. These four names are lectotypified by specimens preserved at US (A. dentatum), PR (A. ramosissimum), and MA (S. tricuspidata and S. lignosa).

The methanolic extract along its various fractions Abutilon pakistanicum were analyzed to find total phenolic, flavonoids contents followed by antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitions of isolated pure constituents. The total content of phenolics and flavonoids was consistently higher in CH2Cl2 (54.89 and 56.06 mg/g extract respectively) compared with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and H2O portions (ranging between 37.81–54.89 and 38.11–56.06 mg/g extract). In order to determine active biological ingredients from CH2Cl2 subportions, extensive advanced chrotapographic separation methods resulted isolation of new flavonoid glycosides namely abutilins C-D (1–2). The structures of these constituents were interpreted by spectroscopic data including FAB-MS, ESI-MS, 1D and 2D-NMR experiments. Both flavonoid (1–2) were evaluated against antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory assay. The antioxidant potential of dichloromethane extract and abutilins C-D (1–2) were determined using DPPH and nitric oxide radial scavenging assays. The abutilins C displayed significant inhibition, with IC50 values 41.66 (DPPH), 39.04 (NOS) µg/mL, using positive control ascorbic acid and quercetin respectively. Inhibitory effects of flavonoids against enzyme α-glucosidase were also investigated and abutilins C showed significant activity with IC50 values 8.27 µg/mL compared with positive control ascarbose (IC50, 5.92 µg/mL). Abutilins C can serve dual inhibitors as antioxidant agent and to treat α-glucosidase associated diseases. Phytochemicals geometries i.e ground state were optimized by density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP/TZ2P to understand the electronic properties of the studied compounds. The ground state geometries of abutilin_C, abutilin_D and reference compounds were optimized by DFT then various electronic properties were explored. Moreover, we have also investigated the global molecular descriptors, molecular electrostatic potential, Hirshfeld analysis and molecular docking by quantum chemical calculations.

How plants respond to density via modular plasticity is obscure, probably because relevant studies using covariance and allometry analyses rarely focus on multiple stages of plant growth, and also the two approaches are seldom used simultaneously in a same study. To address this issue, a field experiment was conducted by subjecting plants of Abutilon theophrasti to low, medium and high densities and measuring the mass of various plant modules, before covariance and allometry analyses at three stages of plant growth. Results showed inconsistent responses in allocation traits and allometric relationships at each growth stage. At 30 d, high density increased root:stem, root:leaf and stem:leaf ratios, but did not affect any allometric relationships. At 50 d, density altered most allocation traits, but not for allometric exponents. At 70 d, density altered allometric relationships, with no effects on allocation traits. The stage-dependent allometric relationships and inconsistent results of allometric and covariance analyses suggested one-stage allometric plasticity might be apparent plasticity. In response to the increase of density, plants first altered the strategy of biomass partitioning, then growth rate or developmental stage, indicating density effects intensified over time. For plasticity in a modular trait, size effects can be regarded as a component of (indirect) environmental effects, with the left variation after removal of size effects being the other component of plant (direct) active response. The insights into apparent plasticity of allometry and two components of plasticity should be of essential importance to investigating phenotypic plasticity and its implications in plants.

The present work was aimed to study the effect of melatonin pre-treatments on oxidative stress modulation, cadmium (Cd) accumulation, and tolerance inAbutilon theophrastiMedicus under the hydroponic system. Application of substances that can modulate the harmful effects of Cd on plant yield and reduce its accumulation in the edible parts is of particular importance. Therefore, the Abutilon pre-treated with 0.1mM melatonin were exposed to 200μM, 400μM, 800μM Cd. Our results showed that 0.1mM melatonin led to positive effects on 200μM and 400μM Cd tolerance, including a significant increase in root activity andperoxidase (POD) activity and a significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Withthe help of melatonin, the enrichment factor (BCF) significantly decreased, reducing the content in the ground and roots. At least in our experiment conditions, this information appears to be useful for healthy food production.

Plants have been an important and elementary root age of healthcare over the globe from time immemorial. Multifactorial health beneficial activity of these plants has been attributed to multipotent antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, antiulcerative and antidiabetic compounds known as secondary metabolites or bioactive principles. According to World Health Organization, 70–80% population of India and Ethiopia depend on traditional medicine which includes herbs. Approximately 60% currently available anticancerous drugs have been isolated from medicinal plants; in addition more than 3000 medicinal plants possessing anticancer properties have been reported worldwide. The global incidence of plant-derived compounds used for cancer treatment is from 10% to 40% which increases up to 50% in Asiatic patients. Along with medicinal value, plants also have commercial value because of many attributions like providing fibre, giving oil, aesthetics, etc. Family Malvaceae comprises many such plants with both medicinal as well as commercial value. Abutilon theophrasti Medik is one, quantitative short day herbaceous, annual, seen as a weed, provides fibre, and treats disease like chest infections, urethritis, toothache, piles, gonorrhoea and haemorrhagic diseases. Also it works as anthelmintic, laxative, demulcent and diuretic. In southern and south-eastern European countries, Abutilon theophrasti is widely established in agricultural areas. For example, in northern Italy, the species was known for centuries; however, the first reported infestation of fields was in 1969, and since then the species has become a troublesome weed.

Invazivna alohtona vrsta europski mračnjak (Abutilon theophrasti Medik.) danas je jedna od najagresivnijih i najštetnijih korovnih vrsta u Hrvatskoj. Jakim habitusom s naglašeno velikim listovima vrlo brzo može zasjeniti uzgajanu kulturu uzrokujući značajne gubitke prinosa. Relativno krupno sjeme omogućuje mu nicanje i iz dubljih slojeva tla što zbog kontinuiranog nicanja s različitih dubina iz tla predstavlja problem u suzbijanju. Uz spomenuto, dormantnost sjemena ograničava prognozu nicanja i uspješno suzbijanje ove vrste. Kompeticija mračnjaka, osim morfološkim značajkama, izražena je i alelopatskim sposobnostima. Europski mračnjak eksudatima svih biljnih dijelova može izazvati inhibiciju rasta i razvoja biljaka u svojoj blizini. Za pouzdano i učinkovito suzbijanje europskog mračnjaka, osobito u kulturama slabijih kompetitivnih sposobnosti, nužno je integrirati sve raspoložive mjere suzbijanja

Various author citations for the African species Abutilon bidentatum are usually used. According to the International Code of Nomenclature, its basionym was effectively and validly published on the printed labels of the Schimper exsiccata Iter Abyssinicum II n. 1003 and the type must be chosen accordingly. Cover: (c) Ina Dinter - www.centralafricanplants.org

How plants cope with the increase of population density via root plasticity is not well documented. Abiotic environments and plant ontogeny may play an important role in determining plant response to density and thus contribute to understanding this issue. We aimed to investigate root plasticity in response to density under contrasting soil conditions at three stages of plant growth in an annual herbaceous species Abutilon theophrasti. We conducted a field experiment by subjecting plant individuals to low, medium and high densities (13.4, 36.0 and 121.0 plants m-2, respectively) under fertile and infertile soil conditions, and a series of root traits were measured at three harvests when they had grown for 30, 50 and 70 d. Results revealed the complexity of root response to density, which may increase, decrease or canalize, depending on the strength of above- and below-ground interactions, which varied with soil conditions or growth stage. The intensity of above- and/or below-ground interactions increased with decreased soil resources, but first increased then decreased with growth stage. Facilitation is more likely to occur at low to moderate below-ground interaction, when above-ground interaction is negligible, and resources are abundant and at early stage of plant growth. Plants may prefer to adjust biomass allocation to maintain total mass stable initially, before suffering decreased total mass, in response to intraspecific interactions.

The evaluation of the inhibition effect exerted by the essential oils of basil (Ocimum basilicum), sage (Salvia officinalis), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea) on seeds germination and early seedling growth of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik.) weed was examined in a laboratory bioassay. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and characterized chemically by gas chromatography coupled with both mass spectrometry and flame ionization detector. The working solutions of essential oil emulsified with Tween 20 and dissolved in distilled water were prepared at three concentration levels (0.01%, 0.1% and 1%, vol/vol). The results obtained showed that increase of essential oil concentration leads to decrease of seed germination, shoot and radical length of velvetleaf. The obtained data revealed a highly significant effect (P

Broadleaf weeds, Abutilon theophrasti Medik. and Chenopodium album L. are a major problem in glyphosate tolerant soybeans in the US. By applying compatible herbicides with different modes of action together, better efficiency is achieved, weed spectrum is expanded and the cost of weed control is reduced. This study was conducted with several goals: (1) to test the possibility of controlling weed species A. theophrasts and C. album with clethodim and glyphosate tankmixures, (2) to study the impact of surfactants on the efficacy of applied herbicides and (3) to determine whether synergistic and/or antagonistic interactions occur between clethodim and glyphosate in the control of velvetleaf and common lambsquarters. The study included 29 treatments. Treatments included glyphosate formulated without a surfactant (Touchdown HiTech), clethodim (SelectMak) formulated without a surfactant, glyphosate formulated with a surfactant (Roundup PoverMak) and formulations of both surfactant-free herbicides in a tank-mixures with the following surfactants: ATPlus DRT-EPS 0.25% vv-¹, ATPlus DRT 6000 0.25% vv-¹ and 0.5% vv-¹, Tveen 20 0.25% vv-¹, Tveen 22 0.5% vv-¹, Tveen L5-15 0, 5% vv-T, Tveen L10-10 0.5% vv-¹ and Tveen L15-5% vv-¹. The study was arranged as a completely randomized block design with four replications and two independent experimental runs. The effects of treatments on A. theophrasti showed that there were no significant interactions in most treatments. Treatments with clethodim and ATPlus DRT 6000 showed a synergistic effect, while treatments with clethodim and Tween L10-10 and clethodim and Tween L15-5 showed antagonistic effects on A. theophrasti. Two antagonistic reactions were observed in treatments where surfactants Tween 22 and Tween L5-15 were added to glyphosate formulated without a surfactant (Touchdown HiTech). None of the surfactants had an impact on the activity of clethodim in the case of C. album. However, when the surfactants were added to glyphosate, synergism occurred. That was confirmed in treatments with glyphosate formulated with surfactants. Synergistic interactions have also been confirmed when surfactants were added to the tank-mixures of glyphosate and clethodim, with the exception of ATPlus DRT-EPS.

Abutilon theophrasti Medik, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., Datura stramonium L. and Xanthium strumarium L. are four well-known invasive weed species that are widespread in many crops. Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the allelopathic effects of decomposition products of these four invasive weeds on seed germination and early seedling growth of tomato. The results of the study showed that decomposition products obtained from A. theophrasti, A. artemisiifolia, D. stramonium and X. strumarium had different allelopathic impacts on germination and seedling growth of tomato. The degree of inhibition or stimulation depended on weed species and type of decomposition product. Root decomposition products of all species except X. strumarium decreased the early growth of tomato (2-37%). X. strumarium had only stimulating effect on early growth of tomato (1-86%). Also, the results showed that leaves of the other three invasive weed species had stimulating effects on early growth of tomato (1-53%). Hence, the allelopathic potential of X. strumarium, as well as the leaf decomposition products of the other three invasive weed species could be used to develop an appropriate technology to improve tomato production.

This research endeavors to inspect the chemical and biological profiling of methanol and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts prepared from Abutilon figarianum Webb. Total bioactive constituents and secondary metabolites were assessed via ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC-MS). Biological effects were evaluated via antioxidant and enzymes inhibitory assays. The methanol extract was able to give the highest phenolic (51.92 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoid (72.59 mg QE/g extract) contents and was found to contain 11 bioactive metabolites, including flavonoid, alkaloid, phenolic and fatty acid derivatives, as accessed by UHPLC-MS analysis. Similarly, the phytochemical profiling of the DCM extract tentatively identified the 12 different secondary metabolites, most of these were fatty acid derivatives. The methanol extract was most active in the radical scavenging, reducing power and total antioxidant power assays, while dichloromethane extract showed the highest metal chelating activity. For enzyme inhibition, the DCM extract showed the highest activity against cholinesterases, glucosidase and amylase, whereas methanol extract was most active against tyrosinase. Docking studies have supported the observed biological activity, where isobergapten showed higher activity against tyrosinase (&minus, 7.63 kcal/mol) with inhibition constant (2.55 &micro, M), as opposed to other enzymes. The observed antioxidant and inhibitory potentials of A. figarianum against the studied enzymes tend to endorse this plant as a prospective source of bioactive phytochemicals.

The effects of sublethal doses of herbicides on plants cannot be ignored, yet little is known about the effects of sublethal doses of herbicides on the F1 generation of plants. Seed germination and seedling growth of native and invasive plants following the sublethal exposure of parent plants to herbicides were comparatively analyzed in this study. Sublethal atrazine and tribenuron-methyl had carry-over effects on the germination and seedling growth of the F1 generation of invasive redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) and native velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medicus), both of which had different responses to the carry-over effects of sublethal herbicide. The germination percentage of the F1 redroot pigweed (decreased) was greater than that of the F1 velvetleaf (increased or not significantly changed) following parental exposure to atrazine or tribenuron-methyl. Atrazine reduced the radical growth of 7-day-old velvetleaf seedlings and decreased the difference in seedling length between velvetleaf and redroot pigweed, while tribenuron-methyl had no significant effects on the growth of 7-day-old velvetleaf seedlings. The herbicide inhibition effect on the germination and growth of F1 velvetleaf and redroot pigweed did not increase as the sublethal dose increased. This study suggests that carry-over effects of sublethal herbicides weaken the growth advantage of the F1 velvetleaf at the seedling stage and may have a more negative influence on progeny population development of native velvetleaf compared with invasive redroot pigweed.

Due to depressed corn and soybean prices over the last few years in the United States, growers in Nebraska are showing interest in no-tillage (hereafter referred to as no-till) conventional (non–genetically engineered [non-GE]) soybean production. Due to the increasing number of herbicide-resistant weeds in the United States, weed control in no-till non-GE soybean using POST herbicides is a challenge. The objectives of this study were to compare PRE-only, PRE followed by (fb) POST, and PRE fb POST with residual (POST-WR) herbicide programs for Palmer amaranth and velvetleaf control and soybean injury and yield, as well as to estimate the gross profit margins and benefit–cost ratio of herbicide programs. A field experiment was conducted in 2016 and 2017 at Clay Center, NE. The PRE herbicides tested in this study resulted in ≥95% Palmer amaranth and velvetleaf control at 28 d after PRE (DAPRE). Averaged across the programs, the PRE-only program controlled Palmer amaranth 66%, whereas 86% and 97% control was obtained with the PRE fb POST and PRE fb POST-WR programs, respectively, at 28 d after POST (DAPOST). At 28 DAPOST, the PRE fb POST herbicide programs controlled velvetleaf 94%, whereas the PRE-only program resulted in 85% control. Mixing soil-residual herbicides with foliar-active POST programs did not improve velvetleaf control. Averaged across herbicide programs, PRE fb POST programs increased soybean yield by 10% and 41% in 2016 and 2017, respectively, over the PRE-only programs. Moreover, PRE fb POST-WR programs produced 7% and 40% higher soybean yield in 2016 and 2017, respectively, compared with the PRE fb POST programs. The gross profit margin (US$1,184.3 ha−1) was highest under flumioxazin/pyroxasulfone (PRE) fb fluthiacet-methyl plusS-metolachlor/fomesafen (POST-WR) treatment; however, the benefit–cost ratio was highest (6.1) with the PRE-only program of flumioxazin/chlorimuron-ethyl.

To identify possible cadmium (Cd) accumulators or hyperaccumulators among ornamental plants, a pot experiment involving increasing Cd concentration (0, 5, 15, 30, 60, and 100 mg kg−1) was conducted among seven species. The principal objective was to screen for ornamental plants with an exceptional ability to accumulate and translocate Cd ions as well as sufficient biomass for harvesting. Regarding shoot biomass, root biomass, plant height and tolerance index (TI), Malva rotundifolia showed high tolerance to Cd and Malva crispa, Sida rhombifolia, Celosia argentea and Celosia cristata medium tolerance; Althaea rosea and Abutilon theophrasti were more sensitive to Cd than the other plants. A hormetic response was induced by Cd in M. crispa, C. argentea, C. cristata and M. rotundifolia. Based on its capacity for Cd accumulation, bioaccumulation coefficients (BCFs) and translocation factors (TFs), M. rotundifolia was selected from candidate plants after 60 days of exposure to Cd-contaminated soil and found to have accumulated more than 200 mg kg−1 Cd in its roots and 900 mg kg−1 in its shoots. Moreover, M. rotundifolia BCFs and TFs were higher than 1.0, with the former ranging from 1.41 to 3.31 and the latter from 1.03 to 7.37. Taken together, these results indicate that M. rotundifolia can be classified as a model hyperaccumulator.

Abutilon Miller is a genus belonging to family Malvaceae comprises about 150 species. The plants of this genus are annual or perennial herbs, shrubs or even small trees. It is native to the tropical and subtropical countries of America, Africa, Asia and Australia. The genus has a significant importance, which is attributed to valuable insoluble fibers obtained from different species of the genus such as Abutilon theophrastii and also due to several species grown as garden ornamental plants such as A. ochsenii and A. vitifolium. Reviewing the available literature on genus Abutilon revealed the presence of a diversity of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, sterols, triterpenes, quinones, coumarins, alkaloids, sphingolipids, megastigmanes, iridoids and others, which are responsible for its biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, gastroprotective, cytotoxic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anthelmintic, anti-malarial, anti-leishmanial, CNS activty, anti-stress, immunostimulant, anti-venom, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-hypertensive, aphrodisiac, abortifacient, antidiarrhoeal, diuretic, anti-urolithiatic, and wound healing activities.

Natural fibres are environmentally friendly and therefore often used in the automotive industry as an alternative to glass or mineral fibres. In order to meet the demands of natural fibres for the European automotive market, mainly flax and hemp are cultivated in Europe, but the import of other fibres, like kenaf, is also necessary. To increase the possibilities of fibre use and to reduce the dependency of fibre import, additional fibre plants from European countries could be a solution. An alternative fibre crop with fibre properties described as suitable for high value fibrous applications, could be Abutilon theophrasti (velvetleaf). However, there are no European studies about the cultivation of velvetleaf published. Besides cultivation, economically and ecologically acceptable fibre extraction methods are essential for successful implementation of velvetleaf in Europe. Field trials at three different sites are carried out and, in addition, the effect of water shortage on biomass and fibre yield is investigated. Furthermore, four different fibre extraction methods, known for other fibre plants (chemical and mechanical extraction, water and dew retting) are investigated concerning linear density, breaking tenacity and tensile elongation at break. Over the two experimental years and three different sites, velvetleaf biomass yield varied between 5.2 and 12.8 t ha−1 dry matter (DM), and the fibre yield ranged from 0.7 to 2.4 t ha−1 DM. Additional irrigation significantly increased the fibre yield in 2016 by 29%. Among the different methods for fibre extraction, water retting and chemical extraction by 4% sodium hydroxide solution showed the lowest values of linear density (57 and 58 dtex, respectively). Over all extraction methods, the linear density ranged from 53 to 115 dtex. The highest breaking tenacity was determined for chemical extraction by 0.4% sodium hydroxide solution (52.4 cN tex−1) and water retting (50 cN tex−1). Generally, cultivation and fibre extraction of velvetleaf are possible under the conditions in southwest Germany. Due to the different fibre characteristics of velvetleaf compared to flax, hemp, and kenaf, this plant should be assessed in future research for its applicability as a renewable resource for industrial fibres.

Edamame [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] differs from grain-type soybean in several aspects, one being that edamame seeds are 65% to 100% larger than grain-type soybean seed. Crop seed size has implications for weed management in grain-type soybean; however, the extent to which this observation holds true for edamame is unknown. Because weed interference continues to be a barrier to domestic edamame production, the objective was to quantify the effect of edamame seed size on the crop’s ability to tolerate weed interference (CT) and the crop’s ability to suppress weeds (WSA). Five edamame cultivars plus one grain-type cultivar were each sorted to create “small” and “large” seed size classes. Seed lots were included in a split–split plot design, whereby an additional experimental factor was presence or absence of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrastiMedik.). Crop and weed emergence and growth were monitored through 8 wk after emergence (WAE). Crop plants from large seed had higher tolerance toA. theophrastithan plants from small seed, as evidenced by crop height, area, and biomass. Edamame seed size had little effect on WSA; however, crop cultivars differentially reducedA. theophrastileaf area and biomass at 4 and 8 WAE. While both seed size and edamame cultivar influence early-season crop competitive ability, the magnitude of these factors on CT and WSA underscores the importance of considering them not as stand-alone tactics but rather as useful additions to a more comprehensive integrated weed management system.

Background Many plants of genus Abutilon are traditionally used for treatment of inflammation, bronchitis, piles, gonorrhea, diabetes and fever. Abutilon hirtum is traditionally used to ease the pain of kidney gravel, to treat diarrhoea, cough and toothache, to cure bladder inflammations, wounds and ulcers and as an antipyretic, demulcent, diuretic and mouth wash. The aim of the study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and antidiabetic effects of the total ethanolic extract and different fractions of Abutilon hirtum (Lam.) Sweet leaves. Methods Air dried powder of A. hirtum leaves were extracted using 95% ethanol and fractionated successively with petroleum ether, chloroform and finally with ethyl acetate. The extracts were concentrated to afford petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions and were investigated for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and antidiabetic activities using carrageenan-induced paw edema, hot plate, yeast -induced pyrexia and streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia methods, respectively. Results The total ethanolic extract and the chloroform fraction exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory activity with a percentage of inhibition 50.8% which is close to that of indomethacin (52.4%). The aqueous extract exhibited the maximum analgesic activity (216.6%) with a rapid onset and a longer duration followed by petroleum ether and chloroform fractions and total extract (189.8, 186.9 and 183.0%, respectively), which is almost similar to that of acetylsalicylic acid (186.4%). The total ethanolic extract showed higher activity compared to the used standard acetylsalicylic acid with a rapid onset (30 min) and a longer duration exhibiting the maximum activity. The crude polysaccharides fraction showed a significant lowering in blood glucose level (81.08%). The total extract and petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions exhibited a significant anti-diabetic activity after 5 h (47.49, 47.79, 50.04, 49.80 and 46.36%, respectively) compared with that of metformin (55.45%). Conclusion Abutilon hirtum extract and fractions exhibited anti-inflammatory analgesic, antipyretic and antipyretic activities which may be attributed by the presence of active phytoconstituents.

Abutilon neelgerrense var. fischeri T.K. Paul & M.P. Nayar, a rare endemic taxon, has been rediscovered after a century from Theni District in Tamil Nadu. The present study provides detailed morphological description, key to the varieties with additional characters and images.

Objective: The present study was carried out to assess the in vitro anthelmintic activity of Abutilon theophrasti stem extracts. Methods: Simple maceration was employed for extraction. Solvents such as methanol, water, and hexane were used. Egg hatch test (EHT) and larval motility test were employed to check the anthelmintic activity of crude extracts. Concentrations of 500, 250, 125, 62.5, and 31.25 mg/ml were made. Levamisole and distilled water served as control, respectively. Results: All selected extracts displayed concentration-dependent inhibition except aqueous extracts. At higher concentration (500 mg/ml), stem extracts (methanol, aqueous, and ethanol) showed 74.39%, 72.5 and 70.03% of efficacy in EHT, respectively (p≤0.05). Meanwhile, inhibition of larval motility was seen higher with inhibition percentage of 79.79, 75.65, and 71.28 by methanolic, aqueous, and hexane extracts, respectively (p≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The presents study suggests active principles having anthelmintic efficacy in Abutilon theopharsti stem.

Abutilon theophrasti Medic is a traditional Chinese medicine, which can be seen nearly everywhere in China. In order to study its complete chloroplast genome, we collected leaves and obtained chlor...