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Three populations of Amaranthus powellii were discovered in Kerala region (SE-India), representing the first record of this species for the national flora. A morphological description based on the Indian plants, as well as ecological data are given. A preliminary list of all the Amaranthus species occurring in India, which was never published during the last 136 years, is also provided.

Betacyanins and their decarboxylated derivatives from fresh and dried edible leaves of Atriplex hortensis L. var. "Rubra" were fractionated for the first time by high-speed countercurrent chromatography. Pigments present in fresh leaf extract were separated in systems: ethanol - acetonitrile - n-propanol - ammonium sulphate - water (0.5:0.5:0.5:1.2:1.0, v/v/v/v/v) (tail-to-head mode) and tert-butyl methyl ether - n-butanol - acetonitrile - water with 0.7% heptafluorobutyric acid (2:2:1:5, v/v/v/v) (head-to-tail mode). The mobile phase flow rate was 2 mL/min and the retention of the stationary phase was 79.8 and 75.2%, respectively. Pigments from dried leaves were separated in a similar ion-pair system with heptafluorobutyric acid in different volume proportions 1:3:1:5 (head-to-tail mode) and the flow rate of the mobile phase 3 mL/min. The stationary phase retention was 64.0%. The application of the countercurrent chromatography for the fractionation of betacyanins from leaves of Atriplex hortensis enabled to isolate and pre-concentrate the pigments for further low- and high-resolution liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric detection. This study revealed the presence of 10 betacyanins in fresh and 16 in dried leaves of Atriplex hortensis. Two compounds were not previously identified in the whole Amaranthaceae family. Additionally, instead of (iso)amaranthin, celosianin and its epimer were dominant betacyanins in the Atriplex hortensis.

Salicornia rubra is a commonly occurring annual species of the salt playas of the Great Basin Desert of the western United States. In such habitats, plants experience high levels of ultraviolet radiation, which could potentially damage DNA. As a member of the Amaranthaceae (Caryophyllales), S. rubra shoots typically contain high concentrations of the red‐violet pigments called betacyanins, which are ultraviolet‐absorbing compounds. Nevertheless, some specimens of S. rubra are green even when growing with full exposure to the sun. We, therefore, tested several hypotheses regarding the causes of variation among S. rubra plants in betacyanin concentration and the role of betacyanins in the absorption of ultraviolet radiation. We measured ultraviolet radiation absorption and the concentrations of betacyanins and phenolic compounds of the cell sap expressed from red and green plants growing in full sun, as well as plants grown under various levels of shade. We found that while betacyanin concentrations were predictable from plant color (red plants contained more betacyanins than green plants), the ability to absorb ultraviolet radiation was determined primarily by the concentration of phenolic compounds, which was determined by the level of exposure to the sun. Therefore, the DNA of green plants growing in full sun appears to be at no greater risk than the DNA of red plants.

The direct effect of Palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri Watson, on cotton growth and development is well documented, but its indirect effect through harboring feeding insects is less understood. Palmer amaranth emerged with cotton and remaining in the field for 30 days increased tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), populations compared with a weed-free system. Weedy systems noted up to 49% more damaged terminals than weed-free systems, with cotton yield decreasing as damaged terminals increased at one of two locations. Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) populations were effectively controlled with Aeris® (Bayer, St. Louis, MO) seed treatment (imidacloprid + thiodicarb at 0.375 mg active ingredient per seed), but there was no correlation between thrips infestations and increasing damaged cotton terminals. However, Aeris seed treatment significantly reduced the occurrence of damaged cotton terminals. In a second experiment, Palmer amaranth infesting an area adjacent to a weed-free cotton field had maximum damaged terminals of 51% on the cotton row proximal to the weedy area, with the distal cotton row (44 m away) having 8% terminal damage. Cotton yield significantly decreased as damaged terminals increased. A final bioassay experiment further evaluated the influence of seed treatment on tarnished plant bug feeding impacting cotton seedlings. With Aeris seed treatment, tarnished plant bug mortality was 97%, compared with 37% for nontreated seed. Results suggest tarnished plant bug infestations increased where Palmer amaranth was present in cotton fields. Additionally, greater Palmer amaranth infestations led to an increase in damaged cotton terminals and lower yields.

Representatives of the Chenopodiaceae Vent. family are the hallmark of the flora of the desert regionsof Kazakhstan, as they far outnumber other leading families. Moreover, this applies not only to the flora of the mountainousterritories, but also to the flora of the river valleys, in particular, the flora of the wide valley of the Syrdarya river. Thepredominance of Chenopodiaceae is due to the excellent adaptability of its species to desert conditions. Quite a few speciesof Chenopodiaceae are dominant plant communities, especially in the middle deserts of the North Turan province. Amongthem there are many species that have useful properties (forage, landscape, medicinal, etc.). The aim of the work was toidentify the current species composition of the Chenopodiaceae family (Amaranthaceae Juss.) of the flora of the desertpart of the Syrdarya river valley. Classical botanical methods were used in the research process. As a result of the conductedstudies, the modern species composition of the Chenopodiaceae family of the studied territory, consisting of 112 speciesfrom 38 genera, was revealed. The three largest genera include genera: Salsola–17 species, Atriplex–15 species, Suaeda–11species. The remaining genera contain from 6 to 1 species. Genera represented by a small number of species predominate(26 genera of 1–2 species each).

The drought resistance of psammophytes determines their survival and growth under natural conditions or after transplanting. However, their responses to drought are not well understood. Agriophyllum squarrosum is a pioneer psammophyte in Horqin sandy land’s vegetation community, and Setaria viridis is the climax species. We conducted a pot experiment with both species to study how their physiological characteristics respond to drought and rehydration. We found that watering to 60 and 65% of field capacity (the control) provided more water than was required by A. squarrosum, and its leaves became yellow and slightly wilted. The total chlorophyll content and Fm (maximum fluorescence after dark adaptation) were lower than in the drought treatment, and both decreased after rehydration. With increasing drought duration, the chlorophyll content and Fm of A. squarrosum under moderate and severe drought first increased and then decreased, malondialdehyde levels and membrane permeability increased, but the quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) decreased. With increasing drought duration and intensity, the relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll content, Fm, and Fv/Fm of S. viridis decreased, but malondialdehyde levels and membrane permeability increased. During the late drought period, levels of A. squarrosum’s three antioxidant enzymes increased to prevent membrane lipid peroxidation; for S. viridis, only peroxidase and superoxide dismutase levels increased. After rehydration, RWC of both plants increased, but the chlorophyll content decreased. Fv/Fm of A. squarrosum and Fm of S. viridis did not recover after severe drought. Our results provide insights into psammophyte adaptation to drought stress to support ecological restoration and reconstruction.

The study on diversity of insects associated with grain amaranth, Amaranthus spp was conducted from August to November 2019 at College of Agriculture, Vijayapura. A total of thirty one insects belonging to twenty one families and eight orders; comprising of twenty six insect pests, four predators and one parasitoid were recorded. Each genus recorded during the study was represented by a single species totaling thirty one genus and species. Order Hemiptera was the most diverse with a relative abundance of 29.03 per cent followed by Coleoptera (22.58 per cent), Lepidoptera and Thysanoptera (12.90 per cent), Homoptera, Orthoptera and Hymenoptera (6.45 per cent) while Neuroptera was the least (3.23 per cent) abundant.

Our work was based on the study of aqueous and hydroethanol extracts from the leaves ofAmaranthus hybridus L.(Amaranthaceae),Corchorus olitorius L.(Tiliaceae) andHibiscus sabdariffaL. (Malvaceae), and decoction. This work presents for the first time the phytochemical screening and the antioxidant activity of extracts of leaves of these three plants coming from the Côte d’Ivoire. Phytochemicalanalysisof theseextractsrevealed thepresenceof polyphenols and alkaloids in the three leaves. Thetotal phenolic contentof the extractsshowedvariations,between13.22 and 90.89 mg GAE/g. The hydroethanol extract (90.89 mg GAE/g) and decoction ofC. olitorius(57.89 mg GAE/g) had the most elevated contents. The evaluation of the reducing power with DPPH method revealed that the hydroethanol extract ofC. olitoriuswas the most active (IC50= 45.58 µg/mL). This result was in agreement with that obtained by FRAP method.

Following the comprehensive molecular phylogenetic results presented by Uotila et al. (2021), comments are provided on the infrageneric classification system of the genus Dysphania in its amended circumscription. Amendments and additions to the five-section scheme of Uotila et al. (2021) are proposed. In particular, the morphologically distinct lineage containing Dysphania atriplicifolia (earlier widely recognized in the monospecific genus Cycloloma as C. atriplicifolium) is recognized as a separate section, Dysphania sect. Cycloloma (Moq.) Mosyakin, comb. et stat. nov. Extensive synonymy of the section and its species is provided. The subclades revealed in the Australian clade of Dysphania sect. Dysphania are rather well characterized morphologically and were treated earlier as sections of either Chenopodium (sensu lato) or Dysphania. These subclades are recognized here as three subsections of sect. Dysphania: (1) subsect. Orthospora (R.Br.) Mosyakin, comb. et stat. nov.; (2) subsect. Dysphania; and (3) subsect. Tetrasepalae (Aellen) Mosyakin, comb. et stat. nov. The nomenclature of Dysphania graveolens (≡ Chenopodium graveolens) is discussed. It is confirmed that the name Chenopodium graveolens was first validated not by Willdenow in 1809 but by Lagasca and Rodríguez in 1802. Original specimens associated with that name in both publications belong taxonomically to the same species currently known as D. graveolens (= Chenopodium incisum Poir.). In my opinion, Art. 41.8(a) of the ICN (Shenzhen Code) is directly applicable here. Consequently, the name D. graveolens should be cited with the corrected authorship "(Lag. & Rodr.) Mosyakin & Clemants", and the new combination in Dysphania based on Chenopodium incisum (provisionally cited in POWO as "Dysphania incisa (Poir.) ined.") is unnecessary.

Indobanalia thyrsiflora is an endemic species occurring in peninsular India (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu States) and Sri Lanka. A nomenclatural study of the basionym Banalia thyrsiflora, published by Moquin-Tandon in Candolle’s Prodromus (year 1849), is carried out and the name is lectotypified on a specimen deposited at P (barcode P00609924); isolectotypes are traced at K and CAL. A preliminary morphological characterization of the species is also given, based on field surveys and examination of herbarium specimens. We noted that I. thyrsiflora is highly variable. However, we prefer to avoid, for the moment, taxonomic conclusions about the various morphotypes found, waiting the complete results of this ongoing morphological and molecular investigations.

A UHPLC-HRMS method for simultaneous quantification of flavonoid contents in the aerial parts of Chenopodium bonus-henricus L. was developed and validated. The amount of 12 detected flavonoids was calculated relative to external standard hyperoside. The calibration curve of hyperoside showed very good linear regressions and the correlation coefficient was R2 > 0.9979. The limits of detection and quantitation limits were 0.39 ng/mL and 1.17 ng/mL, respectively. The UHPLC-HRMS method showed acceptable accuracy. At three different concentrations the recoveries of hyperoside ranging from 99.63% to 100.70% with RSD from 1.58% to 2.31%. The intra-day and inter-day precision were determined by analyzing the retention times and recovery of the external standard. The glycosides of spinacetin and patulenin (1) were the predominant compounds in the wild spinach which contents ranging from 1.79 to 4.41 mg g-1 D.W., calculated as hyperoside. The total amount of flavonoids was found to be 15.12 mg g-1 D.W.

Amaranthaceae s.lat. is a stenopalynous family showing, in contrast, a considerable phenotypic diversity for macromorhological characters. A total of one quantitative and seven qualitative characte...

Background: Epilepsy is one of the most common serious neurological disorders. Most antiepileptic or anticonvulsant drugs do not prevent or reverse the pathological process that underlies epilepsy, hence the continuous search for new therapeutic agents with minimal side effects and greater efficacy.Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine the acute toxicity profile and investigate the anticonvulsant activity of volatile oil of Kochia scoparia (Amaranthaceae ).Method: Volatile oil was extracted from fresh leaves of K. scoparia through hydrodistillation process, using a Clavenger-type apparatus. Acute toxicity testing was done using Lorke’s method. The anticonvulsant models used were pentylenetetrazol, strychnine and maximal electroshock. Albino mice were randomly divided into five groups (n=5). Group I (control group) was given 0.2 ml each of water orally while groups II, III and IV received 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg of the volatile oil. Group V received the standard drug solution; 30 mg/kg phenobarbitone for Maximal electroshock and 2 mg/kg diazepam for pentylenetetrazol and strychnine models. The onset of tonic leg extension, duration and protection from mortality were noted.Results: Sub acute toxicity test revealed that doses above 1000mg/kg of the volatile oil is toxic. Doses of 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg significantly (P 0.05.Conclusion: The volatile oil of K. scoparia could be useful in the management of epilepsy.

The Amargosa niterwort is a narrow endemic restricted to alkali wetlands of the northern Mojave Desert in Inyo County, California and Nye County, Nevada. Groundwater pumping and subsequent hydrological alteration within the Amargosa groundwater basin has been identified as the most significant threat to the long-term persistence of the species. Parallel monitoring programs were established in California (2010) and Nevada (2014) to establish baseline trends in abundance, measured as ramet (stem) number, and to aid in determining management actions that are needed to ensure the long-term viability of populations. Monitoring in California shows significant variation in abundance between years; however, there are consistent trends, indicating that factors influencing increase or decrease in abundance is similar across the population. However, this pattern is not shared in Nevada, where following a sharp decline between 2014 and 2015 the population has remained relatively stable. Two of the three Nevada macroplots are downstream from Crystal Reservoir and are likely influenced by discharge from the reservoir including periodic water releases and leakage from the earthen dam. Significant increases and decreases in abundance within macroplots are not correlated with climate variables including precipitation, thus it is important to understand how groundwater flow and spring discharge impacts abundance of plants within and between populations.

Number of wild edible plants is commonly used in the traditional diets of tribal people in many parts of the world. North Maharashtra is well known for its tribal region and tribes from this region partially or fully dependent on the wild resources for their nutritional requirements. The present study was designed to document specifically the wild leafy vegetables from North Maharashtra. A total of 62 traditionally used wild leafy vegetable species were collected, identified and documented. Out of 62 species, 61 species belong to Angiosperms and 1 belong to pteridophyte. With respect to families Amaranthaceae, Araceae, Asteraceae and Fabaceae were found to be the largest families with 29 species. Herbs are the major source of wild leafy vegetables with 43 species and forest is the home for the majority of wild leafy vegetables. Due to less awareness, loss of vegetation and fast erosion of traditional knowledge many species are on the line of rarity. The study helps to conserve those wild food species and cultivate them on large scales, to uplift their economic status and sustainable management in near future.

Endophytic fungi are known to be present in roots of salt marsh plants, but their ecological role in this symbiosis is still largely unknown. Generally considered parasitic or saprophytic, they may still be mutualistic, at least under certain circumstances. Among salt marsh plants,Salicorniaspp. are recognized as particularly salt-tolerant and their frequent colonization by root endophytes has also been reported. This study aimed to investigate whether the inoculation ofSalicorniawith different root endophytes isolated from field-collectedSalicorniaaffects biomass production, nutrient uptake and photosynthesis (assessed via chlorophyll fluorescence). In addition, we investigated whether fungal inoculation confers tolerance to salt stress given that endophytes are suggested to increase salt tolerance and improve plant fitness in other less salt-tolerant plants. The inoculation ofSalicorniawith an isolate of the genusStemphyliumpositively influenced total biomass production and nitrogen concentration in roots at optimum salinity condition (150 mM NaCl). However, under salt stress (650 mM NaCl), no significant effects of fungal inoculation on biomass production and photosynthesis were observed. Further, positive and negative effects of fungal inoculation on nutrient concentrations were observed in roots and shoots, respectively. Our results indicate that different endophytic fungi and their interaction result in distinct fungal species-specific plant growth responses ofSalicorniaunder different growth conditions.

The names in Amaranthus described by Frère Sennen from Spain were studied and, when necessary, typified. Seventeen lectotypes, preserved in BC and MA herbaria, have been designated. Isolectotypes were traced at BCN, herb. Sennen II, JE, JBAG (herb. Laínz), K, MA, P, and PH.

In the present study, green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was performed using flower extracts of Aerva lanata (Al) from Amaranthaceae family. The size, shape, and elemental composition ...

A new species of Amaranthaceae, Alternanthera kanhae, is described and illustrated from the bank of Sabarmati estuary in the state of Gujarat of Peninsular India. The new species is closely allied with A. caracasana and A. pungens but differs in many attributes. The identity of the newly proposed species is confirmed by molecular analysis of three chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) regions viz., rbcL, psbA–trnH and trnL–trnF. The sequences showed that A. kanhae has an independent lineage to that of its sister clade.

The study was conducted on four dominant tribal communities namely Sahara, Binjhal, Kondh and Gond of Bargarh district, Western Odisha, to assess the diversity of plant species consumed as ‘leafy vegetables’. A total of 39 plant species, belonging to 31 genus and 26 families were recorded in the interviews and enquiries. The dominant families were Amaranthaceae and Brassicaceae contributing five species each. The Cucurbitaceae family contributed three species and the families Chenopodiaceae, Convolvulaceae and Fabaceae contributed two species each respectively. Rest of the 20 families contributed one species each. The leafy vegetables consumed by these four tribes include 29 nos. of herbs (74%), 05 nos. of trees (13%), 04 nos. of climbers (10%) and one shrub (3%). Species like Amaranthus oleraceous, Amaranthus viridis L., Basella alba L., Chenopodium album L., Cucurbita maxima Duchesne., Coriandrum sativum L., Glinus oppositifolius (L.) A.DC., Ipomoea aquatica Forssk., Marsilea minuta L., Moringa oleifera Lam. and Spinacia oleracea L., were used most extensively. Most of the tribal people depend on wild leafy vegetables than the cultivated ones. Many wild leafy vegetables were used for medicinal purposes as well, e.g. Alternanthera sessilis L.R. Br., Glinus oppositifolius (L.) A.DC. Ipomoea aquatica Forssk., Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Enhydra fluctuans Lour., Hygrophila auriculata Schum. (Heine.), Murraya koenigii L. Spreng and Oxalis corniculata L. Domestication of these reported species will not only improve the economic condition of the people but will also aid in conservation of biodiversity, sustainability and food security.

The present study is set to investigate the comparative chemotaxonomic investigations on Amaranthus hybridus L. and Amaranthus spinosus L. which belong to the family Amaranthaceae. They are dicots pre-dominantly found in the Niger Delta Tropics, Nigeria. The species are annual erect herbs with flower inflorescences as elongated spikes which are mostly paniculate occurring at ends of branches in globose fashion in axils of leaves.The nodes often have pair of axillary spines. Flowers are small, greenish with male ones at the top while the female ones below the clusters and stem is greenish but often reddish with one-seeded capsule as fruit in Amaranthus spinosus which attains up to 80 ± 20cm in height whereas A. hybridus differ in absence of a pair of axillary spines, the stems are greenish or slightly pinkish which grows up to 100 ± 10cm in height. A. hybridus is more of a vegetable and has alternate phyllotaxi and narrow cuneate base. Fruits from both species are circumscissile capsules and their inflorescences are terminal racemes positioned at their axils with female perianth segments of five. Epidermal studies revealed amphistomatic stomata which is anisocytic type for both species. The stomatal index for A. spinosus adaxial foliar epidermis is 20% and the abaxial 20% whereas for A. hybridus adaxial is 20% and abaxial foliar stomatal index of 20%. Anatomical studies revealed open vascular system, collenchyma dominating the hypodermis while parenchyma occupied the general cortex and pith regions. A. hybridus has more vascular bundles and trichomes, and wider pith than A. spinosus. Phytochemical studies showed the presence of tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids are present in A. spinosus while alkaloids were absent only in A. hybridus. This may be the reason why A. spinosus is used more in tradomedicine than A.hybridus which served more as vegetable. Key Words: Morphology, Anatomy, Phytochemistry, Amaranthus, Amaranthaceae

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) is a root tuber belonging to the Amaranthaceae family, which has recently become popular in Nigeria. The reddish purplish tuber and green leaves are usually eaten by boiling, roasting and the raw tuber can be made into juice. This study was carried out to investigate the in vitro ability of aqueous freeze-dried beetroot juice to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase linked to type 2 diabetes (T2D) by spectrophotometric methods. The percentage inhibition and its half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of α-amylase and α-glucosidase by beetroot juice with starch revealed that beetroot juice inhibited α-amylase (26%-73%; IC50 = 1.78 ± 0.13 mg/mL) and α-glucosidase (53%-85%; IC50 = 0.77 ± 0.14 mg/mL) in a dose dependent manner. This was compared with the positive control acarbose which inhibited α-amylase (IC50 = 0.18 ± 0.02 mg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 0.22 ± 0.01 mg/mL). Beetroot juice may possess hypoglycemic effects and through these inhibitory mechanisms, it could be used as an adjuvant in the management of hyperglycemia and diabetes. Keywords: Beetroot juice, carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes, α-amylase, α-glucosidase.

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L. SO) leaves represent an important dietary source, have high nutritional value and antimicrobial properties. Spinach leaves have been used in the treatment of human diseases since ancient times. Here, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and antifungal activities of ethanolic extract of Spinach oleracea leaves by determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) using well diffusion method against bacterial species Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus and Klebseilla pneumonia and fungal species Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans and Fusarium oxysporum. We evaluated from present data that ethanolic extract of root showed zone of inhibition ranges from 6 mm to 21 mm, ethanolic extract of stem showed zone of inhibition ranges from 8 mm to 21 mm and ethanolic extract of leaf showed zone of inhibition ranges from 9 mm to 22 mm from concentration 25 mg/ml to 100mg/ml. Leaf extract has high antibacterial and antifungal activity against bacterial and fungal species while root extract has low antibacterial and antifungal activity against bacterial and fungal species. Activity of plant extract was increased by the increasing concentration of extracts. Very low zone of inhibition was found at concentration 25 mg/1 ml DMSO which ranges from 6 mm to 14 mm while very high zone of inhibition was found at concentration 100 mg/ml which ranges from 6 mm to 22 mm. So, ethanolic extracts of Spinach oleraceae has good efficiency against bacterial and fungal species.

In the present study, the complete chloroplast genome of Amaranthus hybridus was sequenced and assembled. The complete chloroplast genome of Amaranthus hybridus is 150,709 in size, with the GC content of 36.56%. The chloroplast genome of Amaranthus hybridus contained 86 protein-coding genes (PCGs), eight ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and 37 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on combined chloroplast gene dataset indicated that the Amaranthus hybridus exhibited a close relationship with A. hypochondriacus and A. caudatus.

Although it is well-documented that invasion of invasive plants is promoted with allelopathic effects by inhibiting the growth and phenotypic performance of native plants, little is known conversely. In this study, the allelopathy effects of a native plant, Humulus scandens (Lour.) Merr., on a typical invasive species Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb., was investigated by exposing A. philoxeroides seedlings to three chemical solvent extracts (i.e., petroleum ether extract (PE), ethyl acetate extract (EE), and n-butanol extract (NE) of H. scandens root (HR). The three chemical extracts inhibited the growth, stem length, node number, leaf number, leaf area, and root number, and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content of A. philoxeroides seedlings, which indicated that the extracts inhibited the plant growth by damaging the membrane system of leaves. And the synthetical effect of allelopathy (SE) index indicated that EE had the greatest inhibition on the growth of A. philoxeroides. Fifty compounds were identified from the three extracts of HR using GC–MS analysis, among which 5 compounds (dibutyl phthalate, stigmasta-3,5-diene, 2,6-Di-tert-butylphenol campesterol, and neophytadiene) were identified from H. scandens root extracts for the first time. And n-hexadecanoic acid exists in all three extracts. The findings of the present study provide a novel method to potentially control the invasion of A. philoxeroides. However, field monitoring under natural conditions would be necessary to confirm in practice the results obtained with the bioassays.

Pfaffia glomerata, popularly known as Brazilian-ginseng, stands out as a species of medicinal interest that has a high photoautotrophic potential for in vitro cultivation. This study aimed to analyze cell wall components of P. glomerata during in vitro cultivation in a CO2-enriched atmosphere. For this, P. glomerata plants were grown in MS medium without sucrose, in acrylic chambers with continuous forced air ventilation at 400 and 1000 μL L−1 CO2, and a control treatment with flasks put outside the chambers, without forced ventilation. The experiment was evaluated at 20, 30 and 40 days of cultivation, totaling nine treatments in a 3 × 3 factorial scheme (CO2 concentration × days), with 4 replications. Analyses of growth, photosynthesis and cell wall immunohistochemistry (using monoclonal antibodies JIM7, JIM13 and LM10) were done. The CO2 enrichment at the concentration of 1000 μL L−1 induced greater growth and accumulation of dry mass, in addition to increasing the photosynthetic rate. Immunohistochemistry analyses showed that the presence of homogalacturonan pectins detected by the JIM7 antibody decreased from 20 to 40 days, regardless of CO2 treatment. The deposition of heteroxylan and the JIM13 AGP epitope was detected exclusively in the secondary wall regions, with higher intensity in the treatment of 1000 µL L−1 CO2. This work opens new perspectives to understanding the dynamics between photoautotrophy and cell wall deposition in P. glomerata. P. glomerata under elevated CO2 produces more pectic polysaccharides and hemicelluloses in the cell wall; increasing pectic polymers and xylans are associated with dry biomass gain in P. glomerata under high CO2.

Re-establishment of heritable latitudinal clines in growth-related traits has been recognised as evidence for adaptive evolution in invasive plants. However, less information is known about latitudinal clines in defence and joint clinal evolution of growth and defence in invasive plants. We planted 14 native Argentinean populations and 14 introduced Chinese populations of Alternanthera philoxeroides in replicate common gardens in China. We investigated the latitudinal clines of traits related to growth and defence, and plasticity of these traits in relation to experiment site and soil nitrogen. We found that chemical defence decreased with latitude in introduced populations but increased with latitude in native populations. For growth rate, latitudinal clines were positive in introduced populations but nonexistent in native populations. There were also parallel positive latitudinal clines in total/shoot biomass and specific leaf area. Experiment site affected the occurrence or magnitude of latitudinal clines in growth rate, branch intensity and triterpenoid saponins concentration. Introduced populations were more plastic to experiment site and soil nitrogen than native populations. We provide evidence for rapid evolution of clines in growth and defence in an invasive plant. Altered herbivory gradients and trade-off between growth and defence may explain nonparallel clines between the native and introduced ranges.

Background and Aims Internal seed morphological traits such as embryo characteristics and nutritive tissue can vary considerably within a plant lineage. These traits play a prominent role in germination processes and the success of seedling establishment, and are therefore under high selective pressure, especially in environments hostile to seedlings, such as arid, saline or highly dynamic habitats. We investigated the relationships of seed internal morphology and germination characteristics of 84 species of Amaranthaceae s.l., a family with numerous lineages that have adapted to stressful growing conditions. Methods We used seed cross-sections to assess embryo type and the ratios of embryo to seed surface and radicle to cotyledon length. Furthermore, seed mass, mean time to germination, habitat preferences and further plant traits such as C3 or C4 photosynthesis and life form were compiled for each species. Data were analysed using phylogenetic comparative methods. Key results We found embryo type (λ = 1), log seed mass (λ = 0.86) and the ratio of embryo to seed size (λ = 0.78) to be evolutionarily stable, with an annular embryo as ancestral in the family. Linked to shifts to the three derived embryos types (spiral, horseshoe-shaped and curved) is an increase in the ratio of root to cotyledon length and a reduction of nutritive tissue. We observed stabilizing selection towards seeds with relatively large embryos with longer radicles and less nutritive tissue that are able to germinate faster, especially in lineages with C4 photosynthesis and/or salt tolerance. Conclusions We conclude that the evolutionary shift of nutrient storage from perisperm to embryo provides an ecological advantage in extreme environments, because it enables faster germination and seedling establishment. Furthermore, the evolutionary shift towards a higher ratio of root to cotyledon length especially in small-seeded Amaranthaceae growing in saline habitats can provide an ecological advantage for fast seedling establishment.

A new species of Alternanthera from Kerala (SW-India), named Alternanthera indica, is described and illustrated. A detailed description, photographs, and drawings are provided. The new species resembles A. carcasana, A. paronychioides var. robusta, A. pungens, A. sessilis, and A. tenella for sharing habit and sessile synflorescences, but it differs from these species in several characters (i.e. shape and size of leaves, sepal length and hairiness, and appendages on the androecial tube margin and length).

A new species of Alternanthera from the northern region of Kerala (India)―Alternanthera ebracteolata―is described and illustrated. Morphological description as well as original photographs and drawings are provided. A. ebracteolata is morphologically similar to A. tenella from which differs by the peduncled inflorescence, number of flowers per glomerule, shape and colour of the bracts, absence of bracteoles, shape and color of appendages on androecial tube, and shape of seeds.

Alternative hosts play an important role on the survival of plant pathogenic bacteria. They represent sources of inoculum for new infections; therefore, the identification of potential alternative hosts and the study of their interaction with plant pathogens are essential for the development of effective disease management strategies. The objective of this study was to investigate the interaction between Xanthomonas citri pv. viticola (Xcv), the grapevine bacterial canker (GBC) pathogen, and its alternative host, Senna obtusifolia, and species in the family Amaranthaceae (Amaranthus spinosus, A. cruentus, Chenopodium giganteum, and C. quinoa), for a better understanding of the host range of this pathogen and epidemiology of GBC. Pathogenicity tests showed that all species developed symptoms after inoculation of Xcv. The dynamics of the leaf population was evaluated up to 20 days after inoculation (DAI). In all plant species, it was observed an increase of the total population of Xcv after inoculation. Xcv also showed the ability to survive epiphytically in high populations in S. obtusifolia leaves, after 20 DAI. The ability to invade plant tissues systemically was evaluated by stem inoculation and subsequent detection by specific BIO-PCR. In S. obtusifolia, acropetal and basipetal movement was evaluated by collecting stem fragments at 1, 5, 10, and 15 cm from the inoculation site (IS) at 14 and 20 DAI. In Amaranthaceae plants, only the acropetal translocation was evaluated at 5 cm from IS at 21 DAI. Xcv movement in S. obtusifolia was detected in both directions, at 15 and 10 cm, above and below the IS, respectively. In plants of the family Amaranthaceae, the pathogen was detected in all tissue samples evaluated. The results indicated that Xcv colonized systemically all plant species evaluated and could potentially infect a wider host range than previously known.

Haloxylon salicornicum (Moq.) Bunge ex Boiss. is a suitable species for desert and coastal restoration for its forage production and dune stabilization. Inter-population variation of seed parameter...

Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the diuretic and electrolyte excretion properties of the aqueous extract of Celosia trigyna L. (Amaranthaceae) on female Wistar rats. Methodology: The extraction of active principles was done by macerating aerial parts of the plant. The administration of the extract and other products was done by single-dose gavage. Measurements of urinary flow rate (UFR), natriuria, kaliuria and chloruria were taken on urine collected for twenty-four hours after each product was administered. Diuretic activity (DA) and diuretic index (DI), natriuretic and saluretic effects, and carbonic anhydrase inhibition were calculated. A NaCl solution (0.9%) was used as a negative control; furosemide and aldactone were respectively used as hypokalemic and hyperkalemic positive controls. Results: We observed a significant increase in UFR, confirmed by the values of DA and DI, obtained after the administration of extract. For electrolyte excretion, we observed an increase of the kaliuria (p ˂ 0.001) and a decrease of natriuria (p ˂ 0.001) after the extract was administered; chloruria did not significantly changed. We also found a drastic anti-natriuretic dose-dependent effect while saluretic activity and carbonic anhydrase inhibition were not clearly observable. Conclusion: These results confirm the ethnobotanical data about diuretic effect of Celosia trigyna L. extract. This diuretic effect would be supported by a specific increase in K+ excretion suggesting that the extract is possibly hypokalemic. The anti-natriuretic effect suggests that extract possess an aldosterone-like properties.

We investigated species composition and diversity parameters of beetle communities in two planted saxaul (Haloxylon ammodendron, black saxaul) forests in Southern Mongolia. We also studied nearby natural areas for comparison. Beetles were mainly collected by pitfall traps. 1064 individuals of 38 species of 22 genera in 4 beetle families were identified from planted plots. In comparison, a total of 1395 beetles belonging to 40 species of 24 genera in seven families were collected and identified from the natural saxaul plots. The most diverse beetle families were darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae, 18 species) and snout beetles (Curculionidae, 15 species) in planted and natural saxaul plots. We recorded several species (Apatophysis serricornis, Cephogenia chinensis, and Eumylada punctifera punctifera) which are associated with the saxaul tree. A darkling beetle, Anatolica potanini, was the dominant species in both natural and planted plots of the Nariin Zag forest. There were significant differences in the species richness and abundance between the planted and natural plots of the Ukhaa Zag forest. It is possible that the age of the plantation drove the differences. The higher values of diversity indices and species richness in the planted plots can be explained by the presence of rare species, represented by only one or two individuals. The planted plots and corresponding natural plots within each forest were more similar to each other in species composition and abundance than between forests.

Background and Aims Plant invasions can change soil microbial communities and affect subsequent invasions directly or indirectly via foliar herbivory. It has been proposed that invaders promote uniform biotic communities that displace diverse, spatially variable communities (the biotic homogenization hypothesis), but this has not been experimentally tested for soil microbial communities, so the underlying mechanisms and dynamics are unclear. Here, we compared density-dependent impacts of the invasive plant Alternanthera philoxeroides and its native congener A. sessilis on soil fungal communities, and their feedback effects on plants and a foliar beetle. Methods We conducted a plant–soil feedback (PSF) experiment and a laboratory bioassay to examine PSFs associated with the native and invasive plants and a beetle feeding on them. We also characterized the soil fungal community using high-throughput sequencing. Key Results We found locally differentiated soil fungal pathogen assemblages associated with high densities of the native plant A. sessilis but little variation in those associated with the invasive congener A. philoxeroides, regardless of plant density. In contrast, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal assemblages associated with high densities of the invasive plant were more variable. Soil biota decreased plant shoot mass but their effect was weak for the invasive plant growing in native plant-conditioned soils. PSFs increased the larval biomass of a beetle reared on leaves of the native plant only. Moreover, PSFs on plant shoot and root mass and beetle mass were predicted by different pathogen taxa in a plant species-specific manner. Conclusion Our results suggest that plant invasions can rapidly increase the similarity of soil pathogen assemblages even at low plant densities, leading to taxonomically and functionally homogeneous soil communities that may limit negative soil effects on invasive plants.

The leaf epidermal anatomy of 15 salt-tolerant plant species belonging to the Amaranthaceae from the Salt Range of Punjab-Pakistan was studied using light microscopy (LM). The main purpose of this ...

α-Amylase inhibitors (α-AIs) target α-amylases and interfere with the carbohydrate digestion of insects. Among different classes of α-AIs, a knottin-type inhibitor from Amaranthus hypochondriacus (AhAI) was found to be specific against coleopteran storage pests. In this report, we have characterized three previously unidentified knottin-type α-AIs from various Amaranthaceae plants namely, Amaranthus hypochondriacus (AhAI2), Alternanthera sessilis (AsAI) and Chenopodium quinoa (CqAI). They contain a signal peptide, pro-peptide, and mature peptide. The mature peptides of the new α-AIs shared 68 to 78% identity with AhAI and have highly variable pro-peptide regions. Along with the cystine-knot fold, they showed conservation of reactive site residues. All recombinant α-AIs were successfully expressed in their active form and native state using an oxidative cytoplasmic environment. Inhibition studies against various amylases revealed that these inhibitors showed selective inhibition of coleopteran recombinant insect α-amylases viz., Tribolium castaneum, and Callosobruchus chinensis. Tribolium castaneum α-amylase inhibition potency was highest for AhAI2 (Ki ~ 15 μM) followed by AsAI (Ki ~ 43 μM) and CqAI (Ki ~ 61 μM). Interaction analysis of these inhibitors illustrated that the reactive site of inhibitors make several non-covalent interactions with the substrate-binding pocket of coleopteran α-amylases. The selectivity of these inhibitors against coleopteran α-amylases highlights their potential in storage grain pest control.

Originating from agriculture of Andean cultures in South America, quinoa is a dicotyledonous plant that is attracting attention as a novel functional food worldwide. Although the systematical and morphological features of quinoa differ from traditional grains, Amaranthaceae family originated quinoa has been incorporated into whole grains group. Quinoa is composed of high-quality protein which is equal to the quality of casein, unsaturated fatty acids which are similar to composition of oilseeds, fiber, a variety of vitamins and highly bioavailable minerals. In addition, quinoa is a good source of phytochemicals including saponins, phytosterols, phytoecdysteroids and bioactive peptides. In vitro studies and a limited number of in vivo animal studies and clinical studies indicated that these bioactive compounds may exert beneficial effects on reducing the risk of metabolic complications such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. This review aims to provide an evaluation of nutritional characteristics, bioactive content and possible health effects of quinoa. There is a justified need for well-designed clinical trials demonstrating possible health effects of quinoa and its components, to determine the most effective translational applications of quinoa based on solid scientific evidence.

Foliar C/N stoichiometry is an indicator of geochemical cycling in forest ecosystems, but the driving changes for its response to urbanization at the wide scale is not clear. In this study, data on tree-leaf C and N stoichiometry were collected in papers from across 105 tree species from 82 genera and 46 families. The foliar C/N of urban forest trees varied among different climate zones and tree taxonomic variation and tended to be higher in trees of urban forests near the equator and in eastern regions, mainly driven by lowered foliar N concentration. Neither the foliar C concentration nor foliar C/N for trees of urban forests was statistically higher than those of rural forests. For variation by taxonomic classification, C4 species Amaranthus retroflexus and Chenopodium ambrosoides (Amaranthaceae) had lower foliar C/N than did other species and families. Myrsine guianensis (Primulaceae) and Myconia fallax (Asteraceae) had the highest foliar C/N. Therefore, urbanization has not caused a significant response in forest trees for foliar C/N. The change in foliar N concentration was globally the main force driving of the differences in foliar C/N for most tree species in urban forests. More work is needed on foliar C/N in trees at cities in polar regions and the Southern Hemisphere.

The conventional medicine practitioners use the medicinal plants extensively in their day-to-day work to treat different diseases. The most useful traditional medicinal plant in India is Digera muricata (Amaranthaceae). While no such phytopharmacological research has been undertaken, it is still regarded as a promising source of specific natural products for medication production and battle against different diseases. The Digera muricata has demonstrated numerous pharmacological activities in each portion of its Allied Species (leaves, bovine, base, seed, root and also entire herb) including prophylactic, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-testicular, anthelmintic, allelopathic, and defensive effects thus utilized in the treatment of renal disorders, kidney stones, defective proteins, nephrotoxicity, dysfunctional proteins, increase level of urine creatinine, protein, nitrite, stercobilinogen, red blood cells, leucocytes count and levels of blood urea nitrogen. It is also observed to be successful against human carcinogenicity and also induces degradation of glutathione, contributing to intracellular oxidative stress. This study summarizes Digera muricata's literature on botanical and pharmacological discourse.

Background Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many degenerative diseases. Antioxidant compounds can potentially be derived from plant sources. Consequently, investigations are been focused on plants as potential sources of treatments for oxidants-induced diseases. Some class of compounds that have been reported in many medicinal plants includes phenolics, alkaloids, saponins, tannins and terpenoids. Amaranthus belong to a more complex Amaranthaceae family and are widely used as leaf vegetables around the world. Interest has grown towards the search of Amaranthus species as potential sources of antioxidants. Hypothesis Compounds that can break the chain reaction initiated by reactive oxygen species are vital in treating and preventing disease caused by ROS. Method In this review, we did a comprehensive literature search on research articles published on the antioxidant activity of some Amaranthus species and in-vitro antioxidant assays. Results To establish the antioxidant potential of a plant, researchers customarily used more than a single evaluation method. Remarkable success has however been made using different evaluation methods in establishing the radical scavenging and antioxidant activities of some Amaranthus species. Some of the conventional methods enumerated in this write-up assessed the antioxidant activity by monitoring the radical scavenging activity of the plant extracts. Conclusions The antioxidant activity of the Amaranthus family has been reported to contribute largely to the various medicinal values. This review further outlined the antioxidant properties of Amaranthus species vis-a-vis their health benefits.

Copper (Cu) is an essential metal and both its deficiency and excess has negative effects on the growth and physiology of plants. Some plant species can tolerate high Cu concentrations due to their anatomical and physiological strategies. These plants can avoid absorption or accumulate this element in their biomass. Thus, the aim was to analyze the anatomical and physiological changes of Alternanthera tenella in response to excess Cu under in vitro conditions. A. tenella plants, previously established in vitro, were transferred to culture media containing 0, 25, 50, 100 or 200 µM Cu. At 30 days of culture, the stem and leaf anatomy, contents of photosynthetic pigments mineral nutrients, chlorophyll fluorescence, and, growth were analyzed. The excess Cu induced lower biomass accumulation. Plants also presented a decline in cell sizes of stem and leaf tissues under high Cu concentrations. Greater formation of druse crystals and lower number of active reaction centers (RC/CSM) were observed with 200 μM Cu. The Cu treatments modulated the contents of mineral nutrients and photosynthetic pigments of the plants. Plants cultured in media with Cu absence or excess (200 μM Cu) presented partial inhibition of electron transport and photochemical activity of photosystem II. Even though A. tenella plants showed clear signs of stress under Cu excess, they also have a strong capacity for Cu bioaccumulation and tolerance. A. tenella plants can be used for phytoremediation or bioindication due to their tolerance and high Cu bioaccumulation capacity. Copper can modulate the morphophysiology of A. tenella under in vitro conditions. A. tenella can be used for phytoremediation or bioindication due to its tolerance and high copper bioaccumulation capacity.

Background Pollen is a major cause of allergic respiratory diseases. In Qatar, data on the presence and prevalence of allergenic airborne types of pollen is quite limited. Methods The study aimed to determine and correlate the most frequently implicated airborne pollen detected by aerobiological monitoring samplers in respiratory allergy symptoms. An aerobiological survey was started on May 8, 2017. Airborne pollen was collected using two Hirst type seven-day recorder volumetric traps. Skin prick test in patients attending allergy clinics in Doha using commercial extracts was conducted. Results Twenty-five pollen types representing the native, as well as the introduced plants, with a relatively low daily mean concentration were observed from May 2017 to May 2019. The highest pollen concentrations were reached by Amaranthaceae (58.9%), followed by Poaceae (21.7%). SPT revealed a comparatively higher degree of sensitization to pollen. Among 940 patients, 204 were sensitized to pollen (54% female) with 135 (66.2%) and 114 (55.8%) to Amaranthaceae and Poaceae, respectively. Some patients had polysensitization. There was a statistically significant association between Amaranthaceae, and asthma (r = 0.169, P = 0.016) and allergic rhinitis (r = 0.177, P = 0.012). Conclusions This is the first study to monitor airborne pollen in the state of Qatar. The main pollen detected were Amaranthaceae and Poaceae. Pollen may represent a possible exacerbating factor in adult patients with allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis.

The interactions between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and non-host species are poorly studied. Particularly scarce is information on members of the Amaranthaceae/Chenopodiaceae family. Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) plants were co-cultivated with a host species (Hordeum vulgare) in the presence (+AMF) or absence of Rhizophagus intraradices to explore the hypothesis that the presence of an active, pre-established AMF mycelium induces defense responses in the non-host species. Biomass of sugar beet did not respond to the +AMF treatment, while its root exudation of organic acids and phenolic acids was drastically decreased upon co-cultivation with +AMF barley. The most conspicuous effect was observed on a wide range of potential defense parameters being differentially influenced by the +AMF treatment in this non-host species. Antioxidant defense enzymes were activated and the level of endogenous jasmonic acid was elevated accompanied by nitric oxide accumulation and lignin deposition in the roots after long-term +AMF treatment. In contrast, significant reductions in the levels of endogenous salicylic acid and tissue concentration and exudation of phenolic acids indicated that AM fungus hyphae in the substrate did not induce a hypersensitive-type response in the sugar beet roots and downregulated certain chemical defenses. Our results imply that the fitness of this non-host species is not reduced when grown in the presence of an AMF mycelium because of balanced defense costs. Further studies should address the question of whether or not such modulation of defense pattern influences the pest resistance of sugar beet plants under field conditions.

The purpose of write this paper is to study the genetic variability between and within different Halosylon salicornicum populations in different regions of Saudi arabia Kingdom, using the determination of genetic fingerprint method by Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR). Because this plant highly vulnerable to depletion by humans in all places of existence, it is an economically valuable plant where raft is an important pastoral resource in central and northern Arabia. It also has multiple medical uses. It is a plant that can withstand abiotic stresses such as drought and high temperature, making it suitable for cultivation in marginal lands in arid areas. All of the above was a catalyst for plant characterization using a number of Haloxylon salicornicum samples, collected from different regions of Saudi Arabia to find out the genetic variation of species, genetic diversity in knowing the plant community is an essential step towards the design of programs for plant breeding as well as preserved from extinction. This was done using the Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR). The results showed there were significant differences and molecular differences between plant samples. The average polymorphism between the genetic inputs of the studied Haloxylon salicornicum samples was 53.7%, and this percentage of genetic variability is significant for progress in growth and plant regeneration in the face of unfair practices against it, in addition to adverse environmental conditions in most years. As evidenced by the percentage of matrix similarity. The ISSR results indicate that the genotype between five different regions genotypes ranged from 0.365 to 0.527, indicating that Haloxylon salicornicum is a local plant capable of surviving and adapting to the environmental conditions in Saudi Arabia through the positive change in the genetic makeup of this species.

In some regions of the Deltaic Mediterranean coastal land of Egypt, Baldratia salicorniae Kieffer, 1897 (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is a gall-forming insect that induces fleshy galls on the stem of Salicornia fruticosa (L.) L. (Family: Amaranthaceae). the current study tried to investigate the interaction of B. salicorniae with its host plant S. fruticosa in some regions of the Mediterranean coast and study the effect of altitude and vegetation cover on galls induction. In addition, to estimate the predicted geographic distribution habitats of B. salicorniae and its host plant S. fruticosa in Egypt by using MaxEnt technique.

Revegetation of marginalised rangelands using pastoral halophytes is considered an appropriate scientific and environmental approach to rehabilitation. Atriplex halimus L. (Amaranthaceae), A. molli...