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Species within the genus Chenopodium hold significant research interest due to their nutritional richness and salt tolerance. However, the morphological similarities among closely related species and a dearth of genomic resources have impeded their comprehensive study and utilization. In the present research, we conduct the sequencing and assembly of chloroplast (cp) genomes from six Chenopodium and related species, five of which were sequenced for the first time. These genomes ranged in length from 151,850 to 152,215 base pairs, showcased typical quadripartite structures, and encoded 85 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 1 pseudogene, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Compared with the previously published sequences of related species, these cp genomes are relatively conservative, but there are also some interspecific differences, such as inversion and IR region contraction. We discerned 929 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and a series of highly variable regions across 16 related species, predominantly situated in the intergenic spacer (IGS) region and introns. The phylogenetic evaluations revealed that Chenopodium is more closely related to genera such as Atriplex, Beta, Dysphania, and Oxybase than to other members of the Amaranthaceae family. These lineages shared a common ancestor approximately 60.80 million years ago, after which they diverged into distinct genera. Based on InDels and SNPs between species, we designed 12 pairs of primers for species identification, and experiments confirmed that they could completely distinguish 10 related species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glasswort (Salicornia herbacea) is a succulent plant that grows widely around intertidal zone of Gomishan Lagoon in eastern boarders of the Caspian Sea in Iran. Due to its medicinal, industrial, and economic values, tendency of local people to utilize it from natural habitats, and thus its plantation is growing in recent years. One of the challenges to managing a glasswort farm is to know the appropriate date to harvest since glasswort seeds ripe quickly and seedfall happens considerably by little shake. An effective way of defining appropriate harvesting dates should be correlated mostly with visual characteristics of the plant; like its color change. If NDVI values derived from remote sensing imageries show a meaningful correlation with the amount of visible greenness of the plant, and its ripening stage, then the qualitative estimation of the color of the field can be substituted with the quantitative estimating the amount of filed reflectance and consequently defining appropriate harvesting time of the plant. Experimental research was therefore conducted to answer this problem by relating the changes in Glasswort color classes and its amount of seedfall to the amount of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values that were obtained from SENTINEL 2 remotely sensed imagery. Field sampling was started from 2019.11.8 to 2019.12.21. The proportion of greenness, redness and brownness of the plants within each sample plots were estimated. The amount of falling seeds were also collected and weighed within each sample plots. The maximum NDVI values of 41 Sentinel-2 images during 2018-2020 within Glasswort phenological period were extracted and were correlated with the color class of the plant and the weight of seedfall in sample plots. Results showed a strong correlation between NDVI and brownness color class (R²=0.80) and a strong negative correlation with amount of seedfall of the plant (R²=-0.83). When the brownness color class of the Glasswort filed exceeds 50 percent, the seeds have reached to their highest maturity and are ready to be harvested. This strong but negative correlation between maximum NDVI values and Glasswort seedfall supports the findings of the correlation of the filed data. Our findings therefore can help filed workers to have an observable phenomenon of the plant to decide when to start harvesting Glasswort in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amaranthus L. is represented by 12 species in the flora of Bulgaria. Most of them are ruderal plants, widely distributed in the country. The representatives of amaranth in the Bulgarian flora are insufficiently studied. The aim of the present study is to study the morphological and karyological variability of one of the most widely distributed annual representatives of the genus in the country - Amaranthus albus L. A diploid chromosome number 2n = 2x = 32 was established. The total length of the haploid chromosome number in the studied populations varied from 14.57 µm to 27.39 µm. The pollen morphology and the seed morphology were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microscopic techniques can be applied to solve taxonomic problems in the field of plant systematic and are extremely versatile in nature. This study was focused on the new approaches to visualizing the imaging, tool to cover the micro‐structural techniques applied to the pollen study of Amaranthaceae floral biology. In this detailed study, we used light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to examine the shape and changes in pollen of 16 types of Amaranthaceae plants from the salty arid zone of Riyadh Saudi Arabia. We observed subtle variations among the studied species through meticulous examination of morpho‐palynological features such as symmetry, size, shape, pore ornamentation, and exine characteristics. The pollen grains were round and had rough or prickly outer coverings. They had different numbers of tiny pores; some were slightly sunken. These findings were utilized to develop a pollen taxonomy key, facilitating accurate identification and classification of Amaranthaceous species. Our results shed light on the taxonomic significance of pollen morphology for species differentiation within the Amaranthaceae family. Furthermore, this study provides valuable insights into the influence of geographical and ecological factors on pollen diversity and evolution. This study of pollen imaging visualization of Amaranthaceous species contributes to the opportunity for taxonomic evaluation and fill knowledge gaps in studies of Amaranthaceous flora identification using classical microscopic taxonomic tools for their accurate identification. Research Highlights: The pollen characters of selected Amaranthaceae species were visualized using scanning electron microscopy to observe sculptural wall pattern.The comprehensive Amaranthaceous pollen examination approach allowed us to accurately identify their micromorphology.This high‐resolution imaging technique provided detailed insights into the surface structures and ornamentation of the pollen grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbaria constitute a form of documentation, store and secure comparative material, as well as constitute an extra original gene bank. They are an invaluable database among others for the biological, ethnobotanical and agricultural sciences. The digitization of herbarium collections significantly facilitates access to archival materials; however, searching them is still time-consuming. Therefore, our work aims to analyze the herbarium collection of 8801 sheets for specimens representing the economically important family Amaranthaceae (Chenopodiaceae-Amaranthaceae clade) deposited the oldest herbarium in Poland, the herbarium of the Jagiellonian University (KRA). These specimens have been collected from almost all the continents in dozens of countries for over 200 years. The analyses conducted, including the taxonomic coverage, geographical characteristics and origin, temporal coverage and utility importance of representative species, present the discussed resources in a more accessible way and may become a more attractive form for scientists potentially interested in more advanced research work.

Introduction: This work investigates whether rhizosphere microorganisms that colonize halophyte plants thriving in saline habitats can tolerate salinity and provide beneficial effects to their hosts, protecting them from environmental stresses, such as aromatic compound (AC) pollution. Methods: To address this question, we conducted a series of experiments. First, we evaluated the effects of phenol, tyrosine, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic (2,4-D) acids on the soil rhizosphere microbial community associated with the halophyte Allenrolfea vaginata. We then determined the ability of bacterial isolates from these microbial communities to utilize these ACs as carbon sources. Finally, we assessed their ability to promote plant growth under saline conditions. Results: Our study revealed that each AC had a different impact on the structure and alpha and beta diversity of the halophyte bacterial (but not archaeal) communities. Notably, 2,4-D and phenol, to a lesser degree, had the most substantial decreasing effects. The removal of ACs by the rhizosphere community varied from 15% (2,4-D) to 100% (the other three ACs), depending on the concentration. Halomonas isolates were the most abundant and diverse strains capable of degrading the ACs, with strains of Marinobacter, Alkalihalobacillus, Thalassobacillus, Oceanobacillus, and the archaea Haladaptatus also exhibiting catabolic properties. Moreover, our study found that halophile strains Halomonas sp. LV-8T and Marinobacter sp. LV-48T enhanced the growth and protection of Arabidopsis thaliana plants by 30% to 55% under salt-stress conditions. Discussion: These results suggest that moderate halophile microbial communities may protect halophytes from salinity and potential adverse effects of aromatic compounds through depurative processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on molecular phylogenetic and morphological studies, the new genera Sedobassia Freitag & G. Kadereit and Spirobassia Freitag & G. Kadereit were described in the tribe Camphorosmeae (Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae sensu APG IV). Palynomorphological peculiarities are often used in taxonomy as additional diagnostic features. Pollen grains from 26 herbarium specimens belonging to 13 taxa of Bassia, Sedobassia, Spirobassia and Neokochia genera in Eurasia and North America were acetolyzed and studied using both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Dry pollen grains were also studied. The structure of the columellae of pollen grains was analyzed for the first time in the current study. The aim of this research was to provide data on their pollen characteristics and to evaluate the taxonomic value of these data for generic and species-specific identification. The pollen grains are pantoporate, spheroidal in shape, circular in outline, slightly undulate, undulate or straight on the edges; and medium- or small-sized. Pores are circular, with distinct or indistinct margins. Exine sculpture is nanoechinate; tectum psilate or psilate-perforate. Pore membranes with nanoechini. Taxonomic relevance of the most important characters of pollen grains is discussed (pollen diameter, pore number, pore diameter, distance between pores and between pore centers, pollen diameter(C)/distance between pore centers(D) value, nanoechini density, presenсe/absence of perforations, structure of columellae, number of nanoechini on pore membranes). Pollen morphology proved to be an important additional source of information for species-specific identification. This study provides new data and analyzes the morphological features of pollen grains of Bassia (in the currently accepted circumscription), palynomorphological similarities, and differences between taxa of the genera Bassia, Sedobassia, Spirobassia, and Neokochia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salsola baryosma is a valuable food source for livestock in Saudi Arabia, notably for camels. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common agents of infection-related mortality and morbidity worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the activity of the aqueous ethanolic extract of Salsola baryosma (AEESB) against Staphylococcus aureus and to identify the key polyphenol and volatile components using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), respectively. The results indicated that AEESB displayed a remarkable activity against Staphylococcus aureus, as evidenced by a disc diffusion assay and DNA fragmentation assay. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 43 µg/mL. The HPLC analysis of AEESB resulted in the identification of fourteen polyphenolic bioactive compounds, where ferulic acid (3055.87 µg/g), gallic acid (1749.35 µg/g) and caffeic acid (421.89 µg/g) were the major phenolic acids in Salsola baryosma. While rutin (911.41 µg/g), naringenin (539.40 µg/g) and daidzein (265.42 µg/g) were the major flavonoids. Subsequent analysis of Salsola baryosma by GC-MS revealed thirty volatile components; the major percentages were oleic acid (34.86%), l-(+)-ascorbic acid 2,6-dihexadecanoate (13.25%), and butylated hydroxytoluene (8.24%). In addition, extracts from the aerial parts of S. baryosma demonstrated anti-microbial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salicornia europaea is a salt-tolerant eudicot species in the Amaranthaceae family that is widely distributed in coastal wetlands and other saline-alkali lands. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of S. europaea was determined using Illumina paired-end sequencing technology. The genome was 153,163 bp in length with 132 genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. The genome displayed a quadripartite structure consisting of a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,953 bp, a large single-copy (LSC) region of 84,566 bp, and two inverted repeats (IRs) of 49,644 bp, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that Salicornia europaea exhibited the closest relationship with S. bigelovii. This study contributes to the pool of salt-tolerant gene species and serves as a valuable reference for further research on Salicornia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Soil salinization is a widespread problem, causing soil degradation and limiting agricultural productivity worldwide. However, the protection and restoration of halophyte species communities can effectively help improve and reconstruct saline–alkali land. We collected seeds of Suaeda salsa (Linn.) Pall., a highly salt-tolerant and widely distributed halophytic species, from seven different saline–alkali habitats, numbered S1–S7, of Songnen Plain, China, and tested their germination and seedling growth responses to saline–alkali stress. Results showed a strong saline–alkali tolerance in S. salsa seeds, but the germination characteristics and saline–alkali tolerance varied across provenances, highlighting the geographical variations in germination responses. The saline–alkali tolerance of S1 and S7 locations was significantly higher than that of others. Suaeda salsa has important applications in the restoration of saline–alkali soil. However, the seeds from appropriate provenances must be screened to ensure the best saline-alkaline tolerant variety. The germplasm materials from the selected varieties can also be used as high-quality sources to study the mechanism of saline–alkali tolerance in halophytes. These seeds can also serve as excellent germplasm resources for the restoration of saline–alkali soil. Salinity is a pressing and widespread abiotic stress, adversely affecting agriculture productivity and plant growth worldwide. Seed germination is the most critical stage to seedling growth and establishing plant species in harsh environments, including saline stress. However, seed germination characteristics and stress tolerance may vary among geographical locations, such as various provenances. Suaeda salsa (Linn.) Pall. (S. salsa) is a halophytic plant that exhibits high salt tolerance and is often considered a pioneer species for the restoration of grasslands. Understanding the germination characteristics and stress tolerance of the species could be helpful in the vegetation restoration of saline–alkali land. In this study, we collected S. salsa seeds from seven different saline–alkali habitats (S1–S7) in the Songnen Plain region to assess the germination and seedling growth responses to NaCl, Na2CO3, and NaHCO3, and to observe the recovery of seed germination after relieving the salt stress. We observed significant differences in germination and seedling growth under three salt stresses and among seven provenances. Resistance to Na2CO3 and NaHCO3 stress was considerably higher during seedling growth than seed germination, while the opposite responses were observed for NaCl resistance. Seeds from S1 and S7 showed the highest tolerance to all three salt stress treatments, while S6 exhibited the lowest tolerance. Seeds from S2 exhibited low germination under control conditions, while low NaCl concentration and pretreatment improved germination. Ungerminated seeds under high salt concentrations germinated after relieving the salt stress. Germination of ungerminated seeds after the abatement of salt stress is an important adaptation strategy for black S. salsa seeds. While seeds from most provenances regerminated under NaCl, under Na2CO3 and NaHCO3, only seeds from S4 and S7 regerminated. These findings highlight the importance of soil salinity in the maternal environment for successful seed germination and seedling growth under various salinity-alkali stresses. Therefore, seed sources and provenance should be considered for vegetation restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amaranthaceae α-amylase inhibitors (AAIs) are knottin-type proteins with selective inhibitory potential against coleopteran α-amylases. Their small size and remarkable stability make them exciting molecules for protein engineering to achieve superior selectivity and efficacy. In this report, we have designed a set of AAI pro- and mature peptides chimeras. Based on in silico analysis, stable AAI chimeras having a stronger affinity with target amylases were selected for characterization. In vitro studies validated that chimera of the propeptide from Chenopodium quinoa α-AI and mature peptide from Beta vulgaris α-AI possess 3, 7.6, and 4.26 fold higher inhibition potential than parental counterparts. Importantly, recombinant AAI chimera retained specificity towards target coleopteran α-amylases. In addition, to improve the inhibitory potential of AAI, we performed in silico site-saturation mutagenesis. Computational analysis followed by experimental data showed that substituting Asparagine at the 6th position with Methionine had a remarkable increase in the specific inhibition potential of Amaranthus hypochondriacus α-AI. These results provide structural–functional insights into the vitality of AAI propeptide and a potential hotspot for mutagenesis to enhance the AAI activity. Our investigation will be a toolkit for AAI's optimization and functional differentiation for future biotechnological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adaptive potential and biochemical properties of the Amaranthaceae species make them promising for introduction into agriculture and markets, particularly in arid conditions. Molecular genetic polymorphism analysis is the most powerful tool for studying plant resources; therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the polymorphisms of allelic variations in the ARF and SOD gene families, as well as the genetic diversity of six Amaranthaceae species, using retrotransposon-based fingerprinting with the multi-locus EPIC-PCR profiling approach. Additionally, the iPBS PCR amplification was employed for genome profiling, revealing variations in genetic diversity among the studied Amaranthaceae samples. The observed genetic diversity in Amaranthaceae species contributes to their enhanced tolerance to adverse environmental conditions. The knowledge about the genetic diversity of genes crucial in plant development and stress resistance can be useful for the genetic improvement of cultivated Amaranthaceae species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low temperature constitutes one of the main barriers to plant distributions, confining many clades to their ancestrally tropical biome. However, recent evidence suggests that transitions from tropical to temperate biomes may be more frequent than previously thought. Here, we study the evolution of cold and frost tolerance in the globally distributed and highly stress-tolerant Salicornieae (Salicornioideae, Amaranthaceae s.l.). We first generate a phylogenetic tree comprising almost all known species (85-90%), using newly generated (n  = 106) and published nuclear-ribosomal and plastid sequences. Next, we use geographical occurrence data to document in which clades and geographical regions cold-tolerant species occur and reconstruct how cold tolerance evolved. Finally, we test for correlated evolution between frost tolerance and the annual life form. We find that frost tolerance has evolved independently in up to four Northern Hemisphere lineages but that annuals are no more likely to evolve frost tolerance than perennials, indicating the presence of different strategies for adapting to cold environments. Our findings add to mounting evidence for multiple independent out-of-the-tropics transitions among close relatives of flowering plants and raise new questions about the ecological and physiological mechanism(s) of adaptation to low temperatures in Salicornieae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some populations identifiable as Alternanthera flavescens were discovered in the Kerala region (SE‐India), representing the first record of the national Flora. A macro‐ and micro‐morphological description based on the plants found, as well as ecological notes, are given. The phenotypic plasticity observed was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A spinach-supplemented diet exerts numerous health benefits, but high levels of oxalic acid and nitrate can cause medical problems, so their levels should be reduced, while the levels of vitamins and phytochemicals could be further increased by breeding. Conventional spinach breeding is limited by the very complex sex determination. However, these limitations could be circumvented in synergy with a biotechnological approach. Accordingly, tissue culture techniques allow rapid and efficient clonal propagation of selected valuable genotypes, and somatic embryogenesis has been recognized as a superior process for clonal propagation because somatic embryos resemble zygotic embryos and therefore can spontaneously develop into complete plants. Since spinach has been considered recalcitrant to in vitro regeneration for decades, a deeper insight into the mechanisms underlying somatic embryogenesis is important for a better understanding and further improvement of the efficiency of this process. In this review, a comprehensive overview of the major factors affecting somatic embryogenesis in spinach is presented and discussed, with particular emphasis on the synergistic effects of α-naphthaleneacetic acid, gibberellic acid, light, and the intrinsic predisposition of individual seedlings to somatic embryogenesis, as well as the expression of genes encoding key enzymes involved in the maintenance of gibberellin homeostasis and the levels of endogenous gibberellins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Old-World Psyllid, Heterotrioza chenopodii (Hemiptera, Psylloidea, Triozidae) was found infesting quinoa, Chenopodium quinoa (Amaranthaceae) crop. The psyllids were identified using taxonomic traits and further confirmation with mitochondrial marker based molecular approach. The information on damage and its life stages is reported along with the phylogenetic information of the species. The identity analysis in NCBI indicated that the MT-COI sequences of H. chenopodii were 96 per cent identical to the previously deposited sequences with NCBI and five submissions with accession numbers were made viz., OP735496, OP740826, OP740828, OP740829 and OP740830. The phylogenetic tree represented the similarities in the analyzed sequences Indian populations are found to be merged in between the other similar global populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Thungabhadra river located on Vijayanagara district which having more Riparian vegetation comparatively other regions, the study reveals the majority of vegetation shows that among 83 species the dominant family is Fabaceae which is having 14 species (37%), 11 genus (15.4%) followed by Amaranthaceae 7 species (8.64%), 3 genus (4.22%) along with Asteraceae having 7 species (8.64 %) 7 genus (9.85 %). However, the present study finds that most of the commercially valuable, medicinal, and industrially enriched diverse species can be identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The naturalization and invasion of alien species have caused a serious impact on the global environment and social development, and have become a global problem faced by countries in biodiversity management and ecological conservation. China is one of the countries most seriously affected by alien invasion, and the situation is serious in the early warning, management and governance of alien invasion. Based on field surveys and literature research, Chenopodiastrum murale (L.) S. Fuentes, Uotila & Borsch, an alien invasive plant of Amaranthaceae sensu lato, is first reported for flora of China. C. murale is native to the Mediterranean region and has spread to more than 40 countries in Europe, America, Africa and Oceania. It is an invasive alien plant with great harm, and it is also clearly prohibited by customs and quarantine departments. This exotic invasive plant is now found in Chenggong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province. This paper describes the morphological characteristics of the species in detail, as well as brief introduction of its taxonomical history, and provides field ecological photos for identification and comparison. In addition, the possible introduction route of C. murale was analyzed, and its potential harm and invasive risks were briefly assessed. This new record clearly demonstrate that the background survey of Chinese alien invasive plants is still insufficient.

The article discusses the taxonomic classification and nomenclature of the genus Soda (Dumort.) Fourr. within the family Chenopodiaceae s.str. / Amaranthaceae s.l. The article highlights the debate surrounding the typification of the genus name Salsola and the need for proper taxonomic application. The authors propose conserving the name Soda against the name Sevada, as the former is applicable to a distinct clade within the genus. The article emphasizes the importance of maintaining nomenclatural stability and suggests that the acceptance of their proposal will not eliminate the name Sevada from the nomenclature. [Extracted from the article]

The ability to accumulate and tolerate high levels of Al has been reported in relatively few plant families. Up to date there is no report on the Al tolerance or accumulation neither in members of Amaranthaceae nor in the order (Caryophyllales). In this work, we collected three Amaranthus species (A. blitoides, A. retroflexus and A. blitum) growing as weed on acid soils of tea gardens (pH 4.4–4.7) in the north Iran and analyzed for Al. The Al accumulation in the leaves of collected plants and those grown hydroponically for four weeks with 400 µM Al (125 µM free Al3+ activity) exceeded the critical level of Al accumulation (1 mg g–1 DW). A. blitoides was further studied for Al tolerance mechanisms. Shoot and root biomass and root length were stimulated by 50 µM Al accompanied by improvement of C4 photosynthesis and N uptake and assimilation. The growth of plants was slightly repressed under higher Al (400 µM) exposure accompanied by activation of antioxidant defense system and lignin deposition. A high resistance to toxic Al concentration in A. blitoides was associated with elevated levels of phenolics accumulation and exudation suggesting the contribution of these compounds to both the avoidance and the internal detoxification mechanisms in this species. This is the first report on Al accumulation in Amaranthus species and the results are of interest from the botanical, physiological and ecological points of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Characterizing the developmental processes in the transition from hermaphroditism to unisexuality is crucial for understanding floral evolution. Amaranthus palmeri, one of the most devastating weeds in the United States, is an emerging model system for studying a dioecious breeding system and understanding the biological traits of this invasive weed. The objectives of this study were to characterize phases of flower development in A. palmeri and compare organogenesis of flower development in female and male plants. Methods: Flower buds from male and female plants were dissected for light microscopy. Segments of male and female inflorescences at different stages of development were cut longitudinally and visualized using scanning electron microscopy. Results: Pistillate flowers have two to three styles, one ovary with one ovule, and five obtuse tepals. Staminate flowers have five stamens with five acute tepals. Floral development was classified into 10 stages. The distinction between the two flower types became apparent at stage four by the formation of stamen primordia in staminate flowers, which developed female and male reproductive organs initially, as contrasted to pistillate flowers, which produced carpel primordia only. In staminate flowers, the putative carpel primordia changed little in size and remained undeveloped. Conclusions: Timing of inappropriate organ termination varies across the two sexes in A. palmeri. Our study suggests that the evolution of A. palmeri from a cosexual ancestral state to complete dioecy is still in progress since males exhibited transient hermaphroditism and females produced strictly pistillate flowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Originally regarded as garnish greens, microgreens are increasingly valued for their nutritional profile, including their mineral content. Methods: A study was conducted under controlled environmental conditions utilizing a selection of seventeen microgreen species belonging to seven different botanical families to investigate the genetic variation of macro- and micro-minerals and nitrate (NO3-) content. Plants were grown in a soilless system using a natural fiber mat as the substrate. After germination, microgreens were fertigated with a modified half-strength Hoagland solution prepared using deionized water and without adding microelements. At harvest (10 to 19 days after sowing, based on the species), yield components were measured and dry tissue samples were analyzed for the concentration of total nitrogen (N), NO3-, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Na, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, and B. Results and discussion: Genotypic variations were observed for all of the examined parameters. Nitrogen and K were the principal macronutrients accounting for 38.4% and 33.8% of the total macro-minerals concentration, respectively, followed in order by Ca, P, S, and Mg. Except for sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), all the tested species accumulated high (1,000-2,500 mg kg-1 FW) or very high (>2,500 mg kg-1 FW) NO3- levels. Eight of the studied species had a K concentration above 300 mg 100 g-1 FW and could be considered as a good dietary source of K. On the other hand, scallion (Allium fistulosum L.), red cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata), amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.), and Genovese basil (Ocinum basilicum L.) microgreens were a good source of Ca. Among micro-minerals, the most abundant was Fe followed by Zn, Mn, B, and Cu. Sunflower, scallion, and shiso (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton) were a good source of Cu. Moreover, sunflower was a good source of Zn, whereas none of the other species examined could be considered a good source of Fe and Zn, suggesting that supplementary fertilization may be required to biofortify microgreens with essential microminerals. In conclusion, the tested microgreens can be a good source of minerals showing a high potential to address different dietary needs; however, their yield potential and mineral profile are largely determined by the genotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents data on phylogeny, genome size, and ploidy of species of the genus Kalidium Moq. in the flora of Kazakhstan. Genus Kalidium belongs to the tribe Salicornieae of the subfamily Salicornioideae of the family Chenopodiaceae and unites eight species, the main range of which covers the Iranian-Turanian and Central Asian deserts. There are four species in the flora of Kazakhstan: K. foliatum, K. caspicum, K. schrenkianum, and the recently described K. juniperinum. Populations of species of the genus Kalidium in the saline deserts of Kazakhstan occupy large areas, often forming monodominant communities. Sometimes there is a joint growth of two and very rarely three species of the genus. During the period of fieldwork (2021–2022), populations were identified in which these species grew together with a predominance, in most cases, of K. caspicum. Samples of representatives from 15 populations were collected for research. Selected plant samples were studied by flow cytometry to determine plant ploidy. Sequencing of nrITS and two chloroplast fragments were used to build a phylogenetic tree, including sequences from the NCBI database., A phylogenetic tree of species of the genus Kalidium was compiled, which takes previously published data into consideration. In the valley of the middle reaches of the Syrdarya River, tetraploid populations of K. caspicum were found. A hybrid between K. foliatum and K. caspicum was found in the Ili River valley (Almaty region, Uigur district). To identify phylogenetic processes at the intraspecific level, the SCoT (Start codon targeted) fingerprinting method was used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is an annual plant belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. The total accumulated incident photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) in a plant is a function of the site, year, sowing date, and phenology, whereas the amount of PAR intercepted by the plant is dependent on its leaf area index (LAI) and light extinction coefficient (KPAR). This study investigated changes in KPAR and radiation use efficiency (RUE) levels in quinoa before and after inflorescence (fruit set) color change under various temperature and light conditions through the sowing date. This study was conducted in the Jihad Keshavarzi allocated field of Khalilabad city in Khorasan Razavi province, Iran, using a randomized complete block design with three replications over two seasons, 2017–2018 and 2018–2019. Treatments included eight and seven sowing dates in the first and second season years, respectively. The results showed that the mean of KPAR was 0.66 and 0.31 in the first and second years, respectively. Also RUE in vegetative stages of development was higher than during the grain‐filling period. The mean of RUE was 2.60 ± 0.06 and 0.78 ± 0.17g/MJ in the first year before and after changing the color of the inflorescence (fruit set), respectively; these values were 2.12 ± 0.04 and 1.01 ± 0.61 g/MJ in the second year. The results indicated the base (TBRUE), lower optimum (TP1RUE), upper optimum, and ceiling temperatures of quinoa for RUE were determined to be 3, 18.8, 25.5, and 35°C, respectively. Core Ideas: Radiation use efficiency (RUE) and K were calculated in quinoa.Reaction RUE to temperature in quinoa was calculated.RUE in vegetative stages of development in quinoa was higher than the grain filling period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study describes and illustrates two new species of the subgenus Petrobia (Petrobia), P. (P.) arabica sp. nov. and P. (P.) tabarjalensis sp. nov., collected in the Northern Region (Jouf) of Saudi Arabia They were found inhabiting wild host plants, Haloxylon salicornicum (Amaranthaceae) and Chrozophora sp. (Euphorbiaceae), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Anabasis is a member of the family Amaranthaceae (former name: Chenopodiaceae) and includes approximately 102 genera and 1400 species. The genus Anabasis is one of the most significant families in salt marshes, semi-deserts, and other harsh environments. They are also renowned for their abundance in bioactive compounds, including sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, saponins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and betalain pigments. Since ancient times, these plants have been used to treat various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases and are used as an antirheumatic and diuretic. At the same time, the genus Anabasis is very rich in biologically active secondary metabolites that exhibit great pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antiangiogenic, antiulcer, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, etc. All of the listed pharmacological activities have been studied in practice by scientists from different countries and are presented in this review article to familiarize the entire scientific community with the results of these studies, as well as to explore the possibilities of using four plant species of the genus Anabasis as medicinal raw materials and developing medicines based on them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monoxia obesula, a species native to the U.S.A. and adventive in western Mediterranean, is recorded in Greece for the first time. In 2022, one female specimen was collected on Théra Island (Santorini Archipelago, Aegean Sea), becoming the easternmost Mediterranean record. Host plants are Amaranthaceae species, particularly Atriplex halimus occurring in saline habitats. The presence of Monoxia obesula in Greece is alarming because it spreads its occurrence towards the eastern Mediterranean and may therefore pose a significant danger for Atriplex halimus stands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cockscomb (Сelosia cristata (L.) Kuntze) is a well-known decorative plant belonging to the Amaranthaceae L. family. It is used in South East Asia folk medicine as an anesthetic, anti-microbial, hemostatic, tonic and anti-inflammatory drug. Some 11 to 12 fatty acids have been identified in cockscomb roots, leaves, stem, herb, flowers and seeds, and their quantitative content has been determined by gas chromatography. Accordingly, in all herb samples, unsaturated fatty acids dominated, forming 68.18 to 75.93% of total content. Mostly, these compounds were accumulated in the roots. Among the unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid prevailed in roots, stems, herb, flowers and seeds, whereas linolenic acid prevailed in the leaves. The highest content of linoleic acid (45.57±1.14%) was found in the seeds, while that of linolenic acid (53.63±0.53%) was found in the leaves. The obtained results will be applied in the development of drugs on the basis of cockscomb herb lipophilic fraction.

Suaeda aralocaspica, which is an annual halophyte, grows in saline deserts in Central Asia with potential use in saline soil reclamation and salt tolerance breeding. Studying its genetic diversity is critical for effective conservation and breeding programs. In this study, we aimed to develop a set of polymorphic microsatellite markers to analyze the genetic diversity of S. aralocaspica. We identified 177,805 SSRs from the S. aralocaspica genome, with an average length of 19.49 bp, which were present at a density of 393.37 SSR/Mb. Trinucleotide repeats dominated (75.74%) different types of motifs, and the main motif was CAA/TTG (44.25%). We successfully developed 38 SSR markers that exhibited substantial polymorphism, displaying an average of 6.18 alleles with accompanying average polymorphism information content (PIC) value of 0.516. The markers were used to evaluate the genetic diversity of 52 individuals collected from three populations of S. aralocaspica in Xinjiang, China. The results showed that the genetic diversity was moderate to high, with a mean expected heterozygosity (He) of 0.614, a mean Shannon's information index (I) of 1.23, and a mean genetic differentiation index (Fst) of 0.263. The SSR markers developed in this study provide a valuable resource for future genetic studies and breeding programs of S. aralocaspica, and even other species in Suaeda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The naturalization and invasion of alien species have caused a serious impact on the global environment and social development, and have become a global problem faced by countries in biodiversity management and ecological conservation. China is one of the countries most seriously affected by alien invasion, and the situation is serious in the early warning, management and governance of alien invasion. Based on field surveys and literature research, Chenopodiastrum murale(L.)S. Fuentes, Uotila & Borsch, an alien invasive plant of Amaranthaceae sensu lato, is first reported for flora of China. C. murale is native to the Mediterranean region and has spread to more than 40 countries in Europe, America, Africa and Oceania. It is an invasive alien plant with great harm, and it is also clearly prohibited by customs and quarantine departments. This exotic invasive plant is now found in Chenggong District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province. This paper describes the morphological characteristics of the species in detail, as well as brief introduction of its taxonomical history, and provides field ecological photos for identification and comparison. In addition, the possible introduction route of C. murale was analyzed, and its potential harm and invasive risks were briefly assessed. This new record clearly demonstrate that the background survey of Chinese alien invasive plants is still insufficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nomenclatural and taxonomic issues concerning Amaranthus caudatus and the related taxa are presented. Types are designated for names A. caudatus var. albiflorus (neotype at RO), A. caudatus var. atropurpureus (neotype at GH), A. caudatus var. gibbosus (neotype at RO), A. dussi (neotype at NAP), and A. edulis (lectotype at LP). Holotypes are indicated for the names A. caudatus var. pseudopaniculatus f. oblongipetalus (EA), A. caudatus var. pseudopaniculatus f. pseudopaniculatus (EA), A. caudatus subsp. saueri (PR), and Amaranthus edulis var. spadiceus (CORD). The names A. caudatus var. albiflorus, A. caudatus var. atropurpureus, A. caudatus subsp. saueri, A. dussi, and Amaranthus edulis var. spadiceus are considered as hererotypic synonyms of A. caudatus. On the basis of morphological, cytological, and molecular data, the taxa caudatus, mantegazzianus, and gibbosus are here proposed to be treated as different species. A new name—Amaranthus baileyanus—is proposed for A. caudatus var. gibbosus because of a previous and validly published Amaranthus gibbosus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain amaranths are made up of three New World species of pseudo-cereals with C4 photosynthesis from the dicotyledonous family Amaranthaceae and the genus Amaranthus. They originate in two ecoregions of the Americas, namely, the inter-Andean valleys of South America and the volcanic axis and lowlands of Mexico and Central America. These correspond to two centers of domestications for Andean and Mesoamerican crops, with one cultivated species found in the first region and two found in the latter region. To date, no core collection has been made for the grain amaranths in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) germplasm system. In this study, our objective was to create a core for the 2,899 gene bank accessions with collection site data by town or farm site of which 1,090 have current geo-referencing of latitude and longitude coordinates. We constituted the core with 260 genotypes of Amaranthus, which we evaluated with 90 single-nucleotide polymorphism markers. Our goal was to distinguish between Andean and Mesoamerican gene pools of amaranths, including the cultivated species and three possible progenitor or wild relative ancestors along with two more species in an outgroup. Population structure, clustering, and discriminant analysis for principal components showed that Andean species Amaranthus caudatus and Amaranthus quitensis shared fewer alleles with Mesoamerican species Amaranthus cruentus and Amaranthus hypochondriacus, compared to each group individually. Amaranthus hybridus was a bridge species that shared alleles with both regions. Molecular markers have the advantage over morphological traits at quickly distinguishing the Andean and Mesoamerican cultivars and have the added benefit of being useful for following inter-species crosses and introgression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aerva lanata, a herb used as food and also consumed as a tonic by pregnant women to relieve stomach pains and prevent miscarriage. In addition to other characterized properties, it possesses antifertility and anti-implantation activities. Objective: This study investigates the testicular toxicity of the testes of offsprings of Dams treated with crude aqueous extract of Aerva lanata. Materials and Methods: 25 pregnant Wistar rats (Dams) weighing 180-240 gr were randomly earmarked into 5 groups (n = 5/each). Group A served as control; groups B, C, D, and E received 200, 400, 800, and 1000 mg/kg body weight of Aerva lanata extract, respectively, beginning from 12th to 19th day of gestation. The pups (delivered of Dams) were weighed, observed, and sacrificed 6 wk post-parturition. The testes of the male pups were obtained for histological procedures the testis histology was examined. Results: No gross malformation was observed in the treatment groups, the number of pups/litter was significantly reduced in group E (p = 0.01), pups weight analysis showed a significant reduction in groups C and E (p = 0.04, and 0.02 respectively), and the mean pup testes weight was significantly reduced in groups B, C, D, and E (p = 0.03, 0.03, 0.01, and < 0.001 respectively) when compared with control. Histologically, the treated pup testes tissues showed varying degrees of disruption and distortion of the cellular arrangements of the germinal epithelium in a dose dependent manner compared to the control. Conclusion: The study revealed a testicular toxicity and possibly antifertility role of Aerva lanata in dams’ pups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amaranthus is a genus taxonomically complex because of its high morphological variability, which led to nomenclatural disorders, misapplication of names, and misidentifications. Floristic and taxonomic studies on this genus are still incomplete, and many questions remain open. Seed micromorphology has been shown to play an important role in the taxonomy of plants. Regarding Amaranthaceae and Amaranthus, investigations are rare, and they refer to one or a few species. With the primary aim to test if seed features are helpful in the taxonomy of Amaranthus, we here present a detailed SEM study on seed micromorphology in 25 Amaranthus taxa using morphometric methods. Seeds were collected from field surveys and herbarium specimens; 14 seed coat features (7 qualitative and 7 quantitative) were measured on 111 samples (up to 5 seeds per sample). The results obtained revealed that seeds micromorphology provides interesting new taxonomic data concerning some taxa (species and below ranks). In fact, we were able to distinguish a few seed types, including one or more taxa, i.e., blitum-type, crassipes-type, deflexus-type, tuberculatus-type, and viridis-type. On the other hand, seed features are not useful for other species, for example, those included in the deflexus-type (A. deflexus, A. vulgatissimus, A. cacciatoi, A. spinosus, A. dubius, and A. stadleyanus). A diagnostic key of the studied taxa is proposed. Subgenera cannot be distinguished using seed features, thus confirming the published molecular data. All these facts reveal, once again, the taxonomic complexity of the genus Amaranthus since, e.g., just a few seed types can be defined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Hebanthe eriantha (Martius) Kuntze and Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng) Pedersen are medicinal plants popularly known as “Brazilian Ginseng” due to their similarity to Panax ginseng. In Brazil, they are sold as the same herb, despite their different pharmacological and toxicological properties. The morphological identification is difficult, which facilitates their adulteration. We report the application of the Barcode DNA High-Resolution Melting (Bar-HRM) using matK gene to differentiate both species in samples sold in the Brazilian market. Using the proposed method, we could discriminate and identify both species. Bar-HRM analysis allowed discriminating and identifying both species. It allowed the identification of H. eriantha and P. glomerata in 43.6% and 56.4% of the amplified samples, respectively. Of these, only seven samples were authenticated and, in 71.4% of the cases, adulterated. We concluded that Bar-HRM has proven to be a fast alternative method to authenticate plants under the common name “Brazilian Ginseng”.

IntroductionOriginally regarded as garnish greens, microgreens are increasingly valued for their nutritional profile, including their mineral content.MethodsA study was conducted under controlled environmental conditions utilizing a selection of seventeen microgreen species belonging to seven different botanical families to investigate the genetic variation of macro- and micro-minerals and nitrate (NO3-) content. Plants were grown in a soilless system using a natural fiber mat as the substrate. After germination, microgreens were fertigated with a modified half-strength Hoagland solution prepared using deionized water and without adding microelements. At harvest (10 to 19 days after sowing, based on the species), yield components were measured and dry tissue samples were analyzed for the concentration of total nitrogen (N), NO3-, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Na, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, and B. Results and discussionGenotypic variations were observed for all of the examined parameters. Nitrogen and K were the principal macronutrients accounting for 38.4% and 33.8% of the total macro-minerals concentration, respectively, followed in order by Ca, P, S, and Mg. Except for sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), all the tested species accumulated high (1,000-2,500 mg kg-1 FW) or very high (>2,500 mg kg-1 FW) NO3- levels. Eight of the studied species had a K concentration above 300 mg 100 g-1 FW and could be considered as a good dietary source of K. On the other hand, scallion (Allium fistulosum L.), red cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata), amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.), and Genovese basil (Ocinum basilicum L.) microgreens were a good source of Ca. Among micro-minerals, the most abundant was Fe followed by Zn, Mn, B, and Cu. Sunflower, scallion, and shiso (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton) were a good source of Cu. Moreover, sunflower was a good source of Zn, whereas none of the other species examined could be considered a good source of Fe and Zn, suggesting that supplementary fertilization may be required to biofortify microgreens with essential microminerals. In conclusion, the tested microgreens can be a good source of minerals showing a high potential to address different dietary needs; however, their yield potential and mineral profile are largely determined by the genotype.

During floristic research in 2017–2022 in the Emirate of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the authors discovered new alien species that complement the species composition of the flora of vascular plants in the Emirate and the UAE as a whole. The article presents new records of five alien species previously unknown from the flora of UAE and Fujairah: Gomphrena serrata L. (Amaranthaceae), Portulaca pilosa L., P. grandiflora Hook., P. umbraticolaKunth (Portulacaceae), and Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth (Piperaceae). Gomphrena serrata which is rare in the country was found only in one place in the mountainous region of Fujarah, and it is a novelty for the flora of the Arabian Peninsula as a whole, while Portulaca pilosa was observed in several different areas of Fujairah Emirate and is also known for Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Oman. Peperomia pellucida was found only in a single locality in the “Alamarey plant nursery” in Dibba town but in large number of individuals. For every species, synonyms, overall distribution, habitat preferences, affinity and taxonomic remarks as well as the list of localities are given. The herbarium materials were deposited in the Herbarium of the Komarov Botanical Institute (LE, Saint-Petersburg, Russia), duplicates were sent to the Herbarium of Altai State University (ALTB, Barnaul, Russia) and the Scientific Herbarium of Fujairah (FSH, Wadi Wuraya National Park, Fujairah, UAE).

The article discusses the issue of similar-sounding generic names in the plant taxonomy field. Specifically, it focuses on the names Blackiella Aellen, Blakiella Cuatrec., and Blakella (L.D. Pryor & L.A.S. Johnson ex Brooker) Crisp & L.G. Cook. The authors argue that the names Blackiella and Blakiella are easily confused due to their phonetic similarity, and they propose the need for a new generic name for the South American taxon currently known as Blakiella Cuatrec. Additionally, they suggest that a new generic name should be considered for the group of eucalypts recently segregated as the genus Blakella. The authors request binding decisions from the Nomenclature Committees to address these naming issues. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Comparison of genetic characteristics among species of Suaeda spp. Objective: identifying the genetic characteristics among species Suaeda (Amaranthaceae) in Anbar Governorate. (From August 2020 to September 2021 fresh plant samples were collected in the flowering stage for the studied species). Materials and methods: The genetic diversity of the Suaeda species was studied after DNA extraction and using the Inter Simple Sequence Repeats Reaction method to recorded in the genetic aspects. DNA was extracted from young leaves of the studied species. The concentration and purity of the DNA were determined, and the detection of genetic relationships between the studied plant species as well as finding this genetic fingerprint by ISSR Reaction. Results: The results showed that the plant samples collected during study belong to species of the genus Suaeda, and these species were: S. aegyptiaca, S. altissima, S. carnosissma, S. fruticosa, S. monoica, S. vera and S. vermiculata symbolized by (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7) respectively for the purpose of brevity. The results showed that there was the highest close between S. aegyptiaca and S. vera which amounted to 0.6319, and the results showed that there was the least closeness between S. aegyptiaca and S. carnosissma which amounted to 0.4231. Conclusion: Genetic traits are among the stable traits that can be adopted in separating the studied species. The genetic study, especially at the DNA level, is one of the most important modern taxonomic studies that rely on PCR technology for the accuracy of its results and the speed of obtaining results.There are at least seven species of the genus Suaeda in the western province of Anbar Governorate - Iraq.

Background: Photoperiod is an important environmental cue interacting with circadian clock pathway to optimize the local adaption and yield of crops. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) in family Amaranthaceae has been known as superfood due to the nutritious elements. As quinoa was originated from the low-latitude Andes, most of the quinoa accessions are short-day type. Short-day type quinoa usually displays altered growth and yield status when introduced into higher latitude regions. Thus, deciphering the photoperiodic regulation on circadian clock pathway will help breed adaptable and high yielding quinoa cultivars. Results: In this study, we conducted RNA-seq analysis of the diurnally collected leaves of quinoa plants treated by short-day (SD) and long-day conditions (LD), respectively. We identified 19,818 (44% of global genes) rhythmic genes in quinoa using HAYSTACK analysis. We identified the putative circadian clock architecture and investigated the photoperiodic regulatory effects on the expression phase and amplitude of global rhythmic genes, core clock components and transcription factors. The global rhythmic transcripts were involved in time-of-day specific biological processes. A higher percentage of rhythmic genes had advanced phases and strengthened amplitudes when switched from LD to SD. The transcription factors of CO-like, DBB, EIL, ERF, NAC, TALE and WRKY families were sensitive to the day length changes. We speculated that those transcription factors may function as key mediators for the circadian clock output in quinoa. Besides, we identified 15 novel time-of-day specific motifs that may be key cis elements for rhythm-keeping in quinoa. Conclusions: Collectively, this study lays a foundation for understanding the circadian clock pathway and provides useful molecular resources for adaptable elites breeding in quinoa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the food plant spectrum of the sugar beet weevil (Asproparthenis punctiventris Germar; Coleoptera: Curculionidae), one of the most important pests of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris Altissima group). It examines the potential of various weeds and other plants to maintain populations of A. punctiventris adults and larvae outside sugar beet fields. To this end, leaf consumption of females and males on twelve Amaranthaceae and six Polygonaceae species was compared over a 24-h period in a laboratory environment. Both sexes consumed the greatest amount of leaf mass from Beta spp. and on average about a third less from Atriplex spp., indicating that these plants have the highest nutritional value for A. punctiventris. Weevils consumed between 30 and 60% of the amount of A. retroflexus and Chenopodium spp. than they fed on sugar beet leaves. Like Spinacia oleracea (Amaranthaceae), plant species of the Polygonaceae family were hardly or not at all fed on. Mated females generally consumed more leaf mass than unmated, especially from Chenopodium spp. and A. retroflexus, i.e. plants with low feeding value. Experiments with potted plants revealed that the most and heaviest 4th instar larvae developed on sugar beet, while fewer individuals with lesser weight were found on B. vulgaris subsp. maritima and A. hortensis. Very few larvae were able to develop on C. album, and none on A. retroflexus. To prevent promotion of pest population, special attention should be paid to the control of weeds from the Amaranthaceae family in sugar beet growing areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amaranthus retroflexus L. and Chenopodium album L. (Amaranthaceae) are weedy plants that cause severe ecological and economic damage. In this study, we collected DNA from three different countries and assessed genetic diversity using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Our analysis shows both weed species have low genetic diversity within a population and high genetic diversity among populations, as well as a low value of gene flow among the populations. UPGMA clustering and principal coordinate analysis indicate four distinct groups for A. retroflexus L. and C. album L. exist. We detected significant isolation-by-distance for A. retroflexus L. and no significant correlation for C.album L. These conclusions are based data from 13 ISSR primers where the average percentage of polymorphism produced was 98.46% for A. retroflexus L. and 74.81% for C. album L.These data suggest that each population was independently introduced to the location from which it was sampled and these noxious weeds come armed with considerable genetic variability giving them the opportunity to manifest myriad traits that could be used to avoid management practices. Our results, albeit not definitive about this issue, do not support the native status of C. album L. in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During recent field surveys with special emphasis on the weeds occurring in Moroccan farmlands and gardens, two new weed species were discovered for the first time in the country. Amaranthus palmeri plants have been collected in October 2020 along streets in Rabat and in a corn field in Tit Mellil (East of Casablanca), it is to be considered naturalized in Morocco. Chenopodium ficifolium subsp. ficifolium plants have been observed in a public garden in February 2022 in Berrechid, it is to be considered casual alien in Morocco. These reports indicate that Morocco needs more thorough botanical explorations especially in urban areas and agroecosystems. Both species enrich the Amaranthaceae of the country, but could be a threat to biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, food security, and human livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During field investigations in Morocco, two new alien species, Amaranthus spinosus (Amaranthaceae) and Cardamine occulta (Brassicaceae), were discovered as new to the country. Additionally, C. occulta seems to be the first record for continental Africa. The distribution and ecology of these species are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The genus Amaranthus is taxonomically complex because of its high morphological variability, which led to nomenclatural confusion, misapplication of names and misidentifications. Unfortunately, floristic and taxonomic studies on this genus are still incomplete. A population of Amaranthus crassipes subsp. warnockii was discovered in Monastir Governorate, Tunisia, representing the first record for both the Tunisian and the African floras, as well as the first one outside of its American native distribution area. Objectives: The main aim of the present study was to record Amaranthus crassipes subsp. warnockii (I.M.Johnst.) N.Bayón in Tunisia and Africa for the first time. Morphological characters and ecological data were provided. Clarification about the typification of the names Amaranthus crassipes, A. warnockii and Scleropus amaranthoides was also presented. Methods: The work was based on field surveys, analysis of relevant literature and examination of specimens preserved in the herbaria GH, HAL, P, RO, NY, US and the Herbarium of the Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir (Monastir University). Results: Nomenclatural notes were provided for Schlechtendal’s A. crassipes (lectotype at HAL, designated by Henrickson in 1999 but here corrected according to Art. 9.10 of the ICN); Schrader’s Scleropus amaranthoides [a superfluous and illegitimate name (Arts. 52.1 and 52.2 of the ICN) and regarded as a homotypic synonym of A. crassipes s.str.]; and Moquin-Tandon’s Scleropus amaranthoides [an invalid name (Art. 36.1a of the ICN)]. Conclusion: Amaranthus crassipes subsp. warnockii is an alien species in Tunisia, growing in human-made habitat on clayey and sandy substrates within ruderal vegetation where it can be considered a casual. We hope that in the future continuous monitoring of the population will take place, to verify the possible naturalisation and spread of this taxon in Tunisia. If the latter happens, actions for eradication of the plants are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Atriplex canescens is a polymorphic species that can be deciduous or evergreen depending on the climate. Having an extensive root system, it controls soil erosion very well and is resistant to drought. The present study examined the morphological and genetic diversity of 13 Iranian populations. Multivariate statistical analyses were performed on 25 morphological characteristics (quantitative and qualitative). To assess genetic diversity, eight primers were applied, resulting in 42 bands. With the ANOVA test, all quantitative morphological characteristics among the studied populations were significantly different. Similarly, the AMOVA test revealed that the genetic content of the studied populations was different. Genetic distance and geographic distance were significantly correlated in Mantel's test. Based on morphological studies and the effects of environmental factors (latitude, longitude, and altitude) on genetic structure, different genetic branches have been proposed for A. canescens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]