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• The complete chloroplast genome of Nymphaea nouchali was reported for the first time. • The chloroplast genomes of N. nouchali and other related species were compared and analyzed. • Five highly variable sites of N. nouchali were identified as potential DNA markers. • Phylogenetic analysis showed a close relationship between N. nouchali and N. ampla. Nymphaea nouchali is a native species of Chinese water lily with important ornamental, economical, and medicinal purposes. However, due to the serious disturbance by alien biological invasion and human factors, N. nouchali is in an endangered state in China and urgently needs to be protected. Here, we reported the complete chloroplast genome of N. nouchali for the first time, and we found that its plastome is 159 978 bp long, comprising large and small single copies and two inverted repeats (90 001, 19 603, and 50 374 bp, respectively), indicating a typical tetrad structure. In total, 130 genes were identified, including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 transfer RNAs, and 8 ribosomal RNAs. Additionally, 136 simple sequence repeat sites were identified, composed mainly of single nucleotide (46.32%) and trinucleotide (47.05%) sequences. Five highly variable sites (psaI , rps19 , ndhF , rps15 , and ycf1) with a high Pi value were identified as potential molecular markers. Phylogenetic analysis showed that N. nouchali and N. ampla are closely related, and further validated previous water lily classification results based on morphological characteristics, which divided water lilies into five subgenera: Nymphaea , Brachyceras , Anecphya , Hydrocallis , and Lotos. These results are valuable for the identification and the formulation of protection strategies of N. nouchali , as well as contributing to understanding the evolutionary relationships among Nymphaeaceae species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve accessions of water lily (Nymphaea spp.) differing in flower colour and opening time were selected from diverse locations of the water lily growing tracts of Thrissur district. These accessions were evaluated based on the width as well as length of leaf lamina, length of notch on lamina, length of mature flower bud, circumference of mature flower bud, diameter of fully opened flower, number of petals and number of stigmatic appendages in the flower. The study revealed that there was significant variability among the accessions for all the characters evaluated. DMRT was carried out and the accessions were grouped taking diameter of fully opened flower as well as the size of mature flower bud as the decisive characters for grouping. Significant correlations were observed between flower size and leaf size as well as flower size and length of mature flower bud. Hence, leaf size can be taken as an indicator of the flower size of the accession. Selection programmes based on length of lamina will be effective in improving the population, since PCV, GCV, H2 and GG were the highest for this character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water lily, a member of the Nymphaeaceae family, can be made into tea on the basis of outstanding fragrance characteristics and health care functions. In this study, 16 flavonoids were identified and quantified in tea infusions prepared from the petals of 33 water lily cultivars using HPLC–DAD and HPLC–ESI-MS/MS. The infusions were analyzed with HS-SPME coupled with GC–MS; 29 volatile compounds were detected, of which nine were found to be scent components. The cultivars were clustered into three clusters characterized according to scent components. The ‘Conqueror’ and ‘Virginia’ cultivars had the highest antioxidant activities. The concentrations of polyphenols and flavonoids showed significant positive correlations with antioxidant activity as measured by DPPH , ABTS + , and FRAP assays. This study is valuable for a fuller understanding of this important tea and can also be used for the development of water lily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Nymphaea tetragona is a widely distributed ornamental species with ethnomedicinal uses in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, eruptive fevers, and infections. The anti-infectious activities of this herb have already been assessed to clarify its traditional use as a medicine. Aim of study In this study, we aimed to verify the inhibitory effects of N. tetragona 50% methanol extract (NTME) on quorum sensing (QS)-controlled virulence factors of bacteria since QS and its virulence factors are novel targets for antimicrobial therapy. Materials and methods The antibacterial activity of this extract was evaluated against Chromobacterium violaceum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa . The inhibition of the violacein pigment of C. violaceum by NTME was determined qualitative and quantitative using standard methods. The effects of NTME on swarming motility, biofilm viability, pyocyanin production, and LasA protease activity were evaluated using P. aeruginosa. Finally, the in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity of NTME were verified by MTT assay and oral administration to rats, respectively. Results The extract had concentration-dependent antibacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria. NTME at 1/2× minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), 1× MIC and 2× MIC significantly lowered the levels of violacein of C. violaceum compared to that of the control. The swarming motility of P. aeruginosa was inhibited by ≥70% by treatment with 1/2× MIC of NTME. There were remarkable reductions in pyocyanin production and LasA protease activity in the overnight culture supernatant of P. aeruginosa supplemented with NTME when compared with that of the untreated control. The confocal micrographs of 24 h biofilms of P. aeruginosa exposed to NTME exhibited a lower number of live cells than the control. No toxic effect was observed in in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity assays of NTME. Conclusions NTME was demonstrated to have significant concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on quorum sensing-mediated virulence factors of bacteria with non-toxic properties, and could thus be a prospective quorum sensing inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study is aimed at evaluating nutritional composition, antinutritional factors and elemental analysis of three parts (roots sample RS, seed sample SS and leave sample LS) of Nymphaea lotus (water lily) using standard methods. The plant parts were analyzed for the content of crude lipid, crude fiber, crude proteins, ash, moisture and carbohydrate was estimated by difference. Crude lipids and carbohydrate were higher in seeds, while crude protein was exceptionally higher in the leaves. There are moderate amount of both antinutritional factors and heavy metals. The vitamin E content was high in the seeds sample while other vitamins determined were present in all plant parts respectively. Considering the potential nutritive and health benefits of the underutilized water lily, it is suggested that utilization of water lily should be encouraged so as to ameliorate the problem of malnutrition, since it is rich in nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven species of Nymphaea , a protogynous and night-flowering plant, occur in the Pantanal wetlands. In this study, we report the floral biology of Nymphaea amazonum in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul. We used focal observations and video monitoring throughout the anthesis. Its flowers start to open at dusk. This is followed by an interposing “back-to-bud” stage and finally a full opening from about 04:00 h to 05:00 h. We observed the flowers lasted 3 days and Cyclocephala sp. beetles and Apis mellifera bees visited them during this time. We compared the floral behavior of N. amazonum to Prance's record and found there were several differences. We highlighted the use of non-traditional tools as a complement for a better understanding the floral biology of a previously understudied species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empirical evidence suggests that three-dimensional (3D) images of nature promote physiological relaxation in humans by providing more realistic effects compared with two-dimensional (2D) images. However, no studies have evaluated the physiological relaxation effects of nature-derived 3D images on prefrontal cortex and autonomic nerve activity. The present study aimed to clarify the physiological relaxation effects of visual stimulation by 3D flower images on prefrontal cortex and autonomic nerve activity. Nineteen male university students (22.2 ± 0.6 years) were presented with 3D and 2D images of the water lily for 90 s. Prefrontal cortex activity was measured using near-infrared spectroscopy, while autonomic nerve activity was measured using heart rate variability (HRV). Psychological effects were determined using a modified semantic differential method (SD). Compared with visual stimulation by 2D images, that by 3D images resulted in a significant decrease in oxyhemoglobin concentration in the right prefrontal cortex, lower sympathetic activity as calculated by the ratio of the low-frequency to high-frequency HRV component, and a significantly greater realistic feeling as evidenced by higher SD ratings. In conclusion, visual stimulation by realistic 3D floral images promotes physiological relaxation more effectively than the corresponding 2D image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Floral scents of Nymphaea subg. Hydrocallis are dominated by uncommon VOCs. [•] Evident composition differences among scents of day- and night-blooming water lilies. [•] Scents of nocturnal species are rich in aromatic ethers, and aliphatic and C5-branched chain esters. [•] Known attractants of scarab pollinators isolated in Nymphaea subg. Hydrocallis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Volatile organic compounds in the stamens, petals, and pistils of 56 water lily cultivars were determined by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The stamens released a majority of the volatiles. A total of 117 volatile organic compounds were determined. Alkanes and alkenes were the most abundant, followed by aldehydes and ketones. Cluster analysis was used to divide the cultivars into three subsets characterized by specific aromatic compounds and associated aromas. Discriminant analysis confirmed the results of the cluster analysis. Three tropical water lily cultivars Colorata, 34, and Ai Ji Bai and one hardy water lily cultivar Somptuosa had particularly high aromatic compound concentrations and are recommended to produce fragrant, colorful, and hardy specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The genus Nymphaea has long been cherished for its ornamental value. Since the end of the 19th century, intensive breeding has produced a large number of widely available hybrids used in horticulture. However, their escape from cultivation and their introduction into the wild pose problems for the conservation of Nymphaea alba in its natural distribution area because many white-flowered hybrids cannot be identified by morphological characters alone. To reliably identify plants of hybrid origin and to study the extent of the invasion of natural habitats by such hybrids, a case study was performed in which plant material was sampled at 34 locations in the federal state of Hesse, Germany, and neighbouring federal states. In addition to morphological information and historical data on the populations, an AFLP analysis was used to distinguish populations of true Nymphaea alba from those of hybrid origin. Few wild populations of the species currently remain. Nymphaea alba has disappeared from 12 of 13 localities previously recorded in 19th century floras of the area. In two cases, the native form has been replaced by hybrids. The currently recorded distribution of Nymphaea alba in Germany appears to be biased by the occurrence of such hybrids. Therefore, we consider the endangered status of the species in Germany to be underestimated. Conservation management, including molecular studies of populations, appears to be an appropriate step to secure the species’ future. Other indigenous species that are also traded as garden ornamentals may face the same problem. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hybridization is common and considered as an important evolutionary force to increase intraspecific genetic diversity. Detecting hybridization events is crucial for understanding the evolutionary history of species and further improving molecular breeding. The studies on identifying hybridization events through the phylogenomic approach are still limited. We proposed the conception and method of identifying allopolyploidy events by phylogenomics. The reconciliation and summary of nuclear multi-labeled gene family trees were adopted to untangle hybridization events from next-generation data in our novel phylogenomic approach. Given horticulturalists' relatively clear cultivated crossbreeding history, the water lily family is a suitable case for examining recent allopolyploidy events. Here, we reconstructed and confirmed the well-resolved nuclear phylogeny for the Nymphaeales family in the context of geological time as a framework for identifying hybridization signals. We successfully identified two possible allopolyploidy events with the parental lineages for the hybrids in the family Nymphaeaceae based on summarization from multi-labeled gene family trees of Nymphaeales. The lineages where species Nymphaea colorata and Nymphaea caerulea are located may be the progenitors of horticultural cultivated species Nymphaea 'midnight' and Nymphaea 'Woods blue goddess'. The proposed hybridization hypothesis is also supported by horticultural breeding records. Our methodology can be widely applied to identify hybridization events and theoretically facilitate the genome breeding design of hybrid plants., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Cheng, Han, Chen, Li, Balbuena and Zhao.)

Abstract: Simulating ecological indicator responses to alternate restoration strategies provides decision support tools for resource managers and restoration planners. Our case study provides a methodology for how to utilize hydrologic suitability for native vegetation to evaluate effects of modeled restoration scenarios. We propose that hydrologic suitability of white water lily, Nymphaea odorata, an indicator species of the native Florida Everglades slough vegetation community, be used to evaluate modeled restoration scenarios in the Everglades ridge and slough landscape. Based on experimentally derived mesocosm and field studies and historical evidence, we developed a predictive performance measure to assess hydrologic suitability for N. odorata. We applied the performance measure to predict the hydrologic suitability for slough vegetation in the Everglades ridge and slough landscape using model-simulated hydrology of existing conditions, future conditions with restoration, and the predrainage Everglades. Our results indicate that Everglades restoration will provide the greatest benefits to native slough vegetation in Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife National Refuge (LNWR), Water Conservation Area (WCA) 3B, and Everglades National Park, and may degrade slough conditions within portions of WCA 2 and WCA 3A. Our analysis indicates that additional restoration efforts are needed to fully restore native slough vegetation communities throughout the Everglades ridge and slough landscape. Performance measure results for the predrainage scenario in the WCAs conflict with paleoecological data; these results indicate a need to improve the modeled predrainage topography as well as flow and evapotranspiration rates of the Natural System Model version 4.6.2 (hereinafter NSM). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: APETALA2 (AP2) genes are ancient and widely distributed among the seed plants, and play an important role during the plant life cycle, acting as key regulators of many developmental processes. In this study, an AP2 homologue, NsAP2, was characterized from water lily (Nymphaea sp. cv. ‘Yellow Prince’) and is believed to be rather primitive in the evolution of the angiosperms. In situ RNA hybridization showed that NsAP2 transcript was present in all regions of the floral primordium, but had the highest level in the emerging floral organ primordium. After the differentiation of floral organs, NsAP2 was strongly expressed in sepals and petals, while low levels were found in stamens and carpels. The NsAP2 protein was suggested to be localized in the cell nucleus by onion transient expression experiment. Overexpression of NsAP2 in Arabidopsis led to more petal numbers, and Arabidopsis plants expressing NsAP2 exhibited higher plant height, which may be a result of down-regulated expression of GA2ox2 and GA2ox7. Our results indicated that the NsAP2 protein may function in flower organogenesis in water lily, and it is a promising gene for plant height improvement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The floral organs of typical eudicots such as Arabidopsis thaliana are arranged in four characteristic whorls, namely the sepal, petal, stamen and carpel, and the 'ABC' floral organ identity model has been based on this arrangement. However, the floral organs in most basal angiosperms are spirally arranged with a gradual transition from the inside to outside, and an alternative model referred to as 'fading borders' was developed to take account of this. The flower morphology of the water lily was tested against the 'fading borders' model by determining the expression profile of the six primary floral organ identity genes AP2, AGL6, AP3, PI, AG and SEP1 in two cultivars showing contrasting floral morphology. In addition, to get accurate floatation of the genes expression level from outer to inner, we divided the floral organs into eight whorls according to morphological features. All these genes were expressed throughout all whorls of the flower, but their expression level changed gradually from the outside of the flower to its inside. This pattern was consistent with the 'fading borders' model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the Florida Everglades, nutrient enrichment from agricultural outflow and the change in hydrology have collectively contributed to the expansion of cattails (Typha spp.). To assess the effectiveness of prescribed fire in controlling cattails and to predict vegetation dynamics after the fire, it is important to understand the seasonal variation of the soil seed bank and how the seed bank is affected by nutrient enrichment and fire. This paper investigates the effects of season, nutrient enrichment, and fire on soil seed bank species composition, richness, and density along a nutrient gradient in Water Conservation Area 2A (WCA 2A) of the Florida Everglades. Species richness was significantly affected by nutrient enrichment and season but not their interaction. Total seed density, however, was significantly affected by the interaction between nutrient enrichment and season. Yet, at species level, the relationship between seed density, nutrient enrichment and season varied. The highest seed density of cattail occurred in summer at highly enriched sites, but that of sawgrass occurred in fall regardless of enrichment; the seed density of water lily was very low regardless of season and nutrient enrichment, and the highest Amarathus seed density occurred at highly enriched sites year round. Moreover, germination timing differed greatly among species. While cattail seeds had a short incubation period and started to germinate 2–3 days after initiation of the germination assay, sawgrass seeds generally started to germinate 4 weeks later. Further, both the prescribed summer fire at the highly enriched site and the natural winter fire at the moderately enriched site reduced the seed density of cattail but not of sawgrass. Our results suggest that fire application for vegetation recovery in WCA 2A would benefit from explicitly considering seasonal dynamics of the seed bank. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, we compared a traditional teaching sequence (four distinct lessons) with a block schedule dealing with the ecological adaptations of the water lily. The educational unit contained original plant material and both experimental groups received the same tasks and working sheets. Pupils worked together in groups of three to four pupils in a self-regulated manner, carrying out hands-on experiments. However, both groups differed in their time schedule (four distinct lessons of 45 min versus one block of 180 min). Pupils from the traditionally scheduled education performed significantly better in the immediate post-test while these differences merged in retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post‐mounting courtship behaviour of a 6–8 mm long scatophagid fly Hydromyza livens which lays its eggs in yellow water lily ( Nuphar lutea ) is described and analysed. Enigmatic male–male encounters are described, along with lengthy “homosexual” mounting behaviour. A possible interpretation of both types of behaviour is given, with reference to their adaptive significance and the special problems encountered by males in locating females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response of wetlands to elevated nutrient loads typically has been examined in the context of using wetlands for nutrient removal. However, concern over the degradation of natural wetlands following anthropogenic disturbance continues to increase. Most research has focussed on the response of emergent wetlands, with an emphasis on the role of macrophytes. In this study, 21 1.8 m2 enclosures (mesocosms) were placed in a pristine open-water (slough) wetland and subjected to 7 inorganic phosphorus (P) loads; 0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2, 6.4, and 12.8 g/m2/y. This study demonstrated that while the rate of specific P accumulation was a function of the loading rate, the duration of loading is a critical factor in the ultimate P concentration in the biota and soil. Thus, time is an important consideration when determining response to enrichment. Phosphorus added to the slough was removed rapidly by the initially abundant metaphyton (unattached floating and suspended periphyton) and epipelon (benthic periphyton), which concentrated P 10- to 50-fold above background periphyton concentrations. Metaphyton concentrated P more rapidly than epipelon; however, both assemblages stabilized P concentrations between 2.6–3.0 g/kg. Water lily responded to elevated P loads with increased leaf size and nutrient accumulation. After 2-y, water lily P concentrations in the highest loaded mesocosms were similar to those observed in periphyton. Soil and porewater nutrients were slower to respond to P enrichment. Soil P concentrations were unchanged by P enrichment except for the highest loaded mesocosms. After 1-y of P loading, mesocosms receiving 12.8 g/m2/y had soil P concentrations almost 2-fold higher than background concentrations. Porewater P concentrations also showed little change throughout the experiment, with the exception of load 12.8 g/m2/y, which increased dramatically after the 1st year. During the 2nd year, average porewater P concentrations in this highest load were over 50-fold higher than background concentrations. Nitrogen concentrations in periphyton and water lily also generally increased in response to increased P loads. The high affinity of periphyton and water lily for P, combined with their subsequent influence on N uptake, suggests that these components can play an important role in wetland nutrient cycling. The disappearance of these communities may result in a reduction in the nutrient assimilative capacity of wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three novel flavonols, myricetin-3′-O-(6″-p-coumaroyl)glucoside and two epimeric macrocyclic derivatives, as well as the known myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside and pentagalloyl glucose, have been isolated from the wild water lily Nymphaea lotus L. and identified using 2D NMR. This is the first report of such a macrocycle from any source. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although host preferences in phytophagous insects may be generated by several factors, few studies have simultaneously examined several potential host choice determinants. In this study we tested the impact of the following potential host choice determinants on host preference of the semi-aquatic lepidopteran Munroessa gyralis (Pyralidae): growth on different host plants; protein content, polyphenolic content, toughness, and chemical extracts of different host plants; prior feeding experience; and predation pressure on the caterpillar by fishes. Two water lilies, Brasenia schreberi and Nymphaea odorata, were preferred in cafeteria-style feeding experiments over 14 other species of vascular plants. The most preferred water lily (Brasenia) also afforded the fastest growth relative to three other species on which growth was measured. Feeding preferences across species were unrelated to protein content, polyphenolic content, or toughness. Domiciles constructed by caterpillars from leaf fragments were protective from field assemblages of fishes, but domiciles made from preferred or unpreferred host species conferred no significant protection from fish in the laboratory. Caterpillars responded positively to chemical cues of water lilies, and prior feeding experience increased preference for an otherwise unpreferred water lily (Nuphar advena) within the life-span of individual caterpillars. M. gyralis is a generalist herbivore exhibiting modest preference induction and preferences for and among members of the family Nymphaeaceae. Our results suggest that relative growth rates, chemical cues, and previous feeding experience are important factors determining feeding preference. Protein content, polyphenolic content, and toughness appear less important, and the importance of fish predators remains in question. As pupation seems to occur exclusively on Nymphaea, we suggest that host use may be restricted due to life-stage-specific developmental constraints that are not apparent from the results of growth or preference assays. It is currently unknown how often specific life-stages may restrict host use, but our work suggests this as a potentially important area of inquiry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nymphaea thermarum is classified in the Nymphaeaceae, and is the smallest water lily in the world. It has been extinct its native environment and needs urgent protection. Here, we report and characterize the complete chloroplast genome of N. thermarum . The total length of the chloroplast genome is 159,849 bp and the GC content is 39.2% (A: 30.1%, C: 20.0%, G: 19.2%, T: 30.8%). The chloroplast genome consists of 8 rRNA, 37 tRNA, and 85 protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic analysis of N. thermarum fully resolved this taxon in a clade with Nymphaea capensis . The chloroplast genome of N. thermarum provides scientific guidance for its conservation genetics and also contributes genome resources for the phylogenetic relationship of Nymphaea ., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s)., (© 2022 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)

We tested whether grazing by the specialist beetle Galerucella nymphaeae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) induced resistance to herbivory in the water lily Nuphar luteum macrophyllum (Nymphaeaceae) using both the specialist beetle and the generalist crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Decapoda: Cambaridae). For 2 months, we allowed natural densities of beetles to develop on control plants of Nuphar, while removing beetles every 2–3 days from adjacent plants that were paired by location within our field site. By the end of the 2-month manipulation, beetle grazing had damaged twice as much leaf surface on control plants as on removal plants (30.6% vs. 14.2%, respectively). We then offered tissues from control and removal plants to adult and larval beetles and to crayfish in laboratory assays. Increased levels of previous attack by the specialist beetle either did not affect or increased water lily attractiveness to beetles, but significantly decreased attractiveness to the generalist crayfish. Beetle larvae did not feed preferentially on control vs. removal Nuphar in assays using either immature, undamaged leaves that had not yet reached the pond surface or intermediate aged leaves that had reached the surface and experienced some beetle grazing. Adult beetles consumed significantly more immature leaf tissue from the heavily grazed controls than from the less grazed removal plants but did not discriminate between control and removal leaves of intermediate age in either feeding or oviposition preference. In contrast, generalist crayfish consumed significantly more plant tissue from the less grazed treatment than from the more heavily grazed controls. Crude chemical extracts from Nuphar strongly deterred crayfish feeding, but neither phenolic content, protein content, nor differential effects of crude extracts from control vs. removal plants explained crayfish feeding on control versus removal leaves. Our assays suggest that induced resistance to crayfish may be chemically mediated, but the particular mechanisms producing this response remain unclear. Responses may be due to defensive metabolites that degrade rapidly following extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]