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Wampee ( Clausena lansium ) is an economically significant subtropical fruit tree widely cultivated in Southern China. To provide high-quality genomic resources for C. lansium , we report a chromosome-level genome sequence for the "JinFeng" cultivar. The 297.1 Mb C. lansium genome contained nine chromosomes with a scaffold N50 of 29.2 Mb and encoded 23,468 protein-coding genes. Selective sweep analysis between sweet and sour C. lansium varieties and genome-wide association analysis identified 14 candidate genes putatively involved in sugar and acid accumulation. ClERF061 , encoding an ethylene response factor, and ClSWEET7 , encoding a Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporters (SWEET) family protein, were proposed as key regulators of the sweet and sour tastes of the wampee fruit. ClERF061 and ClSWEET7 overexpression in tomatoes increased the total sugar and acid content in fruits. ClSWEET7 promoter activation by ClERF061 was confirmed via Nicotiana benthamiana transient expression. Our study provides valuable genomic resources for C. lansium genetics and breeding.

Huanglongbing (HLB), the most destructive citrus disease, is associated with unculturable, phloem-limited Candidatus Liberibacter species, mainly Ca. L. asiaticus (Las). Las is transmitted naturally by the insect Diaphorina citri. In a previous study, we determined that the Oceanian citrus relatives Eremocitrus glauca, Microcitrus warburgiana, Microcitrus papuana, and Microcitrus australis and three hybrids among them and Citrus were full-resistant to Las. After 2 years of evaluations, leaves of those seven genotypes remained Las-free even with their susceptible rootstock being infected. However, Las was detected in their stem bark above the scion-rootstock graft union. Aiming to gain an understanding of the full-resistance phenotype, new experiments were carried out with the challenge-inoculated Oceanian citrus genotypes through which we evaluated: (1) Las acquisition by D. citri fed onto them; (2) Las infection in sweet orange plants grafted with bark or budwood from them; (3) Las infection in sweet orange plants top-grafted onto them; (4) Las infection in new shoots from rooted plants of them; and (5) Las infection in new shoots of them after drastic back-pruning. Overall, results showed that insects that fed on plants from the Oceanian citrus genotypes, their canopies, new flushes, and leaves from rooted cuttings evaluated remained quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-negative. Moreover, their budwood pieces were unable to infect sweet orange through grafting. Furthermore, sweet orange control leaves resulted infected when insects fed onto them and graft-receptor susceptible plants. Genomic and morphological analysis of the Oceanian genotypes corroborated that E. glauca and M. warburgiana are pure species while our M. australis accession is an M. australis × M. inodora hybrid and M. papuana is probably a M. papuana × M. warburgiana hybrid. E. glauca × C. sinensis hybrid was found coming from a cross between E. glauca and mandarin or tangor. Eremocitrus × Microcitrus hybrid is a complex admixture of M. australasica, M. australis, and E. glauca while the last hybrid is an M. australasica × M. australis admixture. Confirmation of consistent full resistance in these genotypes with proper validation of their genomic parentages is essential to map properly genomic regions for breeding programs aimed to generate new Citrus-like cultivars yielding immunity to HLB.

Murraya is a plant genus within the Rutaceae family comprising over 17 species, which are widely distributed in Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Furthermore, these species have been used in traditional medicine to treat fever, pain, and dysentery. Several reports have also extensively studied the leaves, seeds, stembark, and bark of Murraya from 1965 to 2023 to explore their natural product composition. Various phytochemical studies have revealed the isolation of 413 compounds recorded, comprising coumarins, terpenoids, flavonoids, and aromatics, as well as alkaloids, which constitute the largest proportion (46.9%). These isolated compounds have long been known to exhibit different bioactivities, such as cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory properties. Cytotoxic activity has been observed against HCT 116, HeLa, HepG2, and other cell lines. Previous studies have also reported the presence of antifungal, hepatoprotective, antihyperlipidemic, antidiarrheal, and antioxidant effects. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of Murraya species, highlighting their phytochemistry, biological activities, and potential as a source of active natural compounds.

The effects of five host plant species – tangerine, Citrus reticulata Blanco cv. Shatangju, C. reticulata cv. Ponkan, orange jasmine, Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack, lemon, Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck, and navel orange, Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck (all Rutaceae) – on the life‐table parameters and host preference of the citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), were evaluated under laboratory conditions. In the presence of the host plants tested, citrus psyllid showed higher preference for navel orange, followed by Shatangju and orange jasmine. Total nymph duration of D. citri was longest on lemon (14.1 days) and shortest on Shatangju (12.7 days). The survival rate (lx) of citrus psyllid on orange jasmine was significantly higher than on other tested host plants. The highest longevity of females was observed on lemon (47.6 days), whereas the shortest was on navel orange (40.5 days). The total number of eggs laid by females was not significantly different among host species. The net reproductive rate (R0) was significantly affected by host plants, being highest on Shatangju (162.1 females/female per generation) and lowest on navel orange (130.7). The intrinsic rates of natural increase (rm) was not significantly different among hosts, and ranged from 0.112 on lemon to 0.123 on orange jasmine. Cluster analysis of the life‐table parameters of D. citri on five host plant species indicated that Shatangju was the most suitable host to D. citri, followed by orange jasmine, and navel orange was the least suitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rutaceae plants are known for being a rich source of coumarins. Preliminary molecular docking showed that there was no significant difference for coumarins in Clausena and Murraya, both of which had high scoring values and showed good potential inhibitory activity to the MAO-B enzyme. Overall, 32 coumarins were isolated from Murraya exotica L., including a new coumarin 5-demethoxy-10′-ethoxyexotimarin F (1). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of a comprehensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR and HRMS spectroscopic data, and the absolute configurations were assigned via a comparison of the specific rotations and the ECD exciton coupling method. The potential of new coumarin (1) as a selective inhibitor of MAO-B was initially evaluated through molecular docking and pharmacophore studies. Compound (1) showed selectivity for the MAO-B isoenzyme and inhibitory activity in the sub-micromolar range with an IC50 value of 153.25 ± 1.58 nM (MAO-B selectivity index > 172). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed dormancy varies greatly between species, clades, communities, and regions. We propose that fireprone ecosystems create ideal conditions for the selection of seed dormancy as fire provides a mechanism for dormancy release and postfire conditions are optimal for germination. Thus, fire‐released seed dormancy should vary in type and abundance under different fire regimes. To test these predictions, we compiled data from a wide range of fire‐related germination experiments for species in different ecosystems across the globe. We identified four dormancy syndromes: heat‐released (physical) dormancy, smoke‐released (physiological) dormancy, non‐fire‐released dormancy, and non‐dormancy. In fireprone ecosystems, fire, in the form of heat and/or chemical by‐products (collectively termed 'smoke'), are the predominant stimuli for dormancy release and subsequent germination, with climate (cold or warm stratification) and light sometimes playing important secondary roles. Fire (heat or smoke)‐released dormancy is best expressed where woody vegetation is dense and fires are intense, i.e. in crown‐fire ecosystems. In such environments, seed dormancy allows shade‐intolerant species to take advantage of vegetation gaps created by fire and synchronize germination with optimal recruitment conditions. In grassy fireprone ecosystems (e.g. savannas), where fires are less intense but more frequent, seed dormancy is less common and dormancy release is often not directly related to fire (non‐fire‐released dormancy). Rates of germination, whether controls or postfire, are twice as fast in savannas than in mediterranean ecosystems. Fire‐released dormancy is rare to absent in arid ecosystems and rainforests. The seeds of many species with fire‐released dormancy also possess elaiosomes that promote ant dispersal. Burial by ants increases insulation of seeds from fires and places them in a suitable location for fire‐released dormancy. The distribution of these dormancy syndromes across seed plants is not random – certain dormancy types are associated with particular lineages (phylogenetic conservatism). Heat‐released dormancy can be traced back to fireprone floras in the 'fiery' mid‐Cretaceous, followed by smoke‐released dormancy, with loss of fire‐related dormancy among recent events associated with the advent of open savannas and non‐fireprone habitats. Anthropogenic influences are now modifying dormancy‐release mechanisms, usually decreasing the role of fire as exaptive effects. We conclude that contrasting fire regimes are a key driver of the evolution and maintenance of diverse seed dormancy types in many of the world's natural ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuing a survey of the chemistry of species of the largely continental African genus Vepris, we investigate a species previously referred to as Vepris sp. 1 of Congo. From the leaves of Vepris sp. 1 we report six compounds. The compounds were three furoquinoline alkaloids, kokusaginine (1), maculine (2), and flindersiamine (3), two acridone alkaloids, arborinine (4) and 1-hydroxy-3-methoxy-10-methylacridone (5), and the triterpenoid, ß-amyrin (6). Compounds 1-4 are commonly isolated from other Vepris species, compound 5 has been reported before once, from Malagasy Vepris pilosa, while this is the first report of ß-amyrin from Vepris. This combination of compounds has never before been reported from any species of Vepris. We test the hypothesis that Vepris sp. 1 is new to science and formally describe it as Vepris teva, unique in the genus in that the trifoliolate leaves are subsessile, with the median petiolule far exceeding the petiole in length. Similar fleshy-leathery four-locular syncarpous fruits are otherwise only known in the genus in Vepris glaberrima (formerly the monotypic genus Oriciopsis Engl.), a potential sister species, but requiring further investigation to confirm this phylogenetic position. We briefly characterise the unusual and poorly documented Atlantic coast equatorial ecosystem, where Vepris teva is restricted to evergreen thicket on white sand, unusual in a genus usually confined to evergreen forest. This endemic-rich ecosystem with a unique amphibian as well as plants, extends along the coastline from the mouth of the Congo River to southern Rio Muni, a distance of about 1,000 km, traversing five countries. We map and illustrate Vepris teva and assess its extinction risk as Endangered (EN B1ab(iii)+B2ab(iii)) using the IUCN, 2012 standard. Only three locations are known, and threats include port and oil refinery construction and associated activities, with only one protected location, the Jane Goodall Institute's Tchimpounga Reserve. Initial evidence indicates that the seeds of Vepris teva are dispersed by chimpanzees, previously unreported in the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skimmia anquetilia N.P. Taylor and Airy Shaw (Rutaceae) is a perennial, aromatic, gregarious wild ornamental shrub native to the Western Himalaya. The plant is used in the traditional medicinal system to treat copious health conditions like rheumatism, fever, inflammation, headache, influenza, body-ache, clearing of the nose, diabetes, lowering the body temperature, smallpox, wounds, burns, snake, and scorpion bites. Phytochemical and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis of S. anquetilia showed the presence of alkanes, alkenes, carboxylic acids, fatty acids, and their esters, simple coumarins, terpenes, phenylpropanoid, and so on. These active principles exhibit a wide array of pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancerous, anti-feedant, and antibacterial properties. Most pharmacological studies were based on the essential oil and the crude extracts of the plant and the bioactive compounds responsible for the bioefficacy have not been well-identified. Further investigations are required to transform the experience-based claims on the use of S. anquetilia in traditional medicine practices into evidence-based information. Detailed in-vitro and in-vivo studies on the mechanisms of action of pure bioactive compounds and more elaborate toxicity studies to ensure plant safety for human use should be conducted. This review recapitulates the current status of its use in the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities. It also offers a critical assessment of the plant's existing information which would help to recuperate its potential as a source for drug development of lead molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Philotheca sect. Erionema includes 14 species from eastern Australia and one from south-western Australia. We conducted a phylogenetic analysis of the section, including samples of all species, using sequences of the ITS and ETS regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA. Results were broadly congruent with a previous analysis based on morphological and flavonoid data. The analysis is consistent with the monophyly of the section and supports the monophyly of six species represented by multiple samples. Philotheca verrucosa (A. Rich.) Paul G. Wilson was resolved as paraphyletic with respect to P. freyciana Rozefelds but with poor support. Philotheca glasshousiensis , P. myoporoides and P. myoporoides subsp. myoporoides were clearly polyphyletic, including separate geographic clades and the classification of each of these taxa requires revision. In particular, disjunct northern populations of P. glasshousiensis probably represent a distinct species, the five subspecies of P. myoporoides could be treated as separate species and at least two other distinct groups that are currently included under the circumscription of subsp. myoporoides could be treated as species. The phylogeny revealed deeply divergent, geographically overlapping clades in eastern Australia and substantial distances (up to 900 km) between sister taxa. We infer that biogeography of the group has been shaped largely by vicariant differentiation of taxa. We present the first DNA analysis of relationships among the 15 species of Philotheca section Erionema. Our results support the current circumscription of six species in the group, suggest that two other species are not distinct from each other and show that two current species contain disparate evolutionary lineages that should be recognised as distinct species. This contributes to knowledge of the diversity and evolution of plants in the Australian flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The tribe Diosmeae (Rutaceae) encompasses circa 278 species classified in 11 genera: ten of them are shrubs endemic to the Cape Floristic Region (South Africa), while the only arborescent genus (two species) extends from South Africa to Tanzania. We examined the wood structure of 21 species representing nine genera of Diosmeae and analysed it with respect to their life form and climatic niches. Studied taxa share a suite of traits typical for the whole family: radial vessel multiples, simple perforation plates, minute alternate intervessel pits, distinctly bordered vessel-ray pits, non-septate libriform fibres, and — except for Empleurum — marginal axial parenchyma. However, unlike most Rutaceae, they also occasionally feature vessel-ray pits with reduced borders. Most of the studied species are very similar to each other in their wood structure and habit. The two exceptions are Calodendrum capense (the only canopy tree under study) and Empleurum unicapsulare (a large riparian shrub). The first differs from other species in having wider vessels, longer libriform fibres, prismatic crystals in ray cells and winged-aliform axial parenchyma (which may be plesiomorphic for the tribe); the latter is distinctive because it lacks growth rings and banded axial parenchyma. Analysing anatomy–climate relationship, we found that wood anatomy among shrubby Diosmeae relates to their size and environmental factors, rather than taxonomy. Particularly, the vessel grouping weakly increases with stricter water limitation along the gradient from a semi-arid winter-dry climate to a Mediterranean winter-wet climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bibliometric analysis of the information on essential oils (EOs) of Cuban plants was carried out. The search was carried out in the databases: Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scielo and Infomed. In addition, Google Scholar and relevant scientific journals were also reviewed. Between 1971-2021, 240 published articles appeared in 53 journals in relation to AEs. In total, 222 researchers, belonging to 24 institutions, participated in these studies. The six most productive institutions were IIIA, CNIC, IPK, CENSA, University of Alabama at Huntville and CIDEM. From the analysis of the results, 31 botanical families and 162 species have been analyzed. The most representative families were Myrtaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae and Rutaceae, while the most studied species were Citrus sinensis L., Citrus aurantifolia Swingle, Piper aduncum L. and Piper auritum H.B.K. By region of sample collection, samples from 13 Cuban provinces have been evaluated, most of them collected in the provinces of Artemisa, Pinar del Río and Havana. The leaves were the plant part for the extraction of EO and hydrodistillation the most used obtaining method. Different biological activities have been reported, such as: antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antileishmanial, insecticidal, antiplasmodial, antioxidant and anticancer. It is recommended to expand in vivo trials to verify the efficacy and safety of the use of EOs. The information reported in this review can scientifically contribute to guide future research towards a new perspective with the EOs of Cuban plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oranges belong to the Citrus (family Rutaceae) and are an important source of antioxidants, including phenolic compounds and vitamin C. These compounds have a protective effect against various diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular. Since there is a possibility of decay and rot of Citrus in all stages of harvest and post-harvest, the use of mineral elements may have an important effect on increasing the quality of the fruit and its shelf life. This effect varies depending on the species and cultivar of Citrus. Mineral elements, especially potassium and calcium, affect fruit growth and Citrus fruit quality. Materials and Methods To investigate the effect of spraying, a research was conducted in Qaemshahr city in 2019, which in this study, manual foliar application of calcium nitrate (0, 2 and 4 g / 1) and potassium phosphite (0, 1.5 and 3 g/1) was done in the late October in three stages with a week interval. Then, one week after the last treatment, the harvesting operation was performed with garden shears. After washing, the fruits were kept in normal temperature for 3 months. Various parameters such as morphology (percentage of weight loss, firmness, percentage of decay, etc.). biochemical (total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA) and acidity of fruit juice (pH)), antioxidant (percentage of inhibition and vitamin C), enzyme (ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) and marketability traits were evaluated. Results and Discussion The results showed that the application of higher concentrations of calcium nitrate and potassium phosphite improved the measured traits at harvest day. The use of these materials has also increased the shelf life and quality of the fruit during storage. Fruits treated with calcium nitrate and potassium phosphite had more antioxidant properties on the day of harvest. The highest amount of vitamin c and inhibition percentage were observed in the treatment of 4 g / 1 calcium nitrate and 3 g / 1 potassium phosphite at harvest day. Treated fruits were more firm and less rotten during storage than control ones. Also, the treated fruits had more soluble solids and titratable acidity. Also, during storage, the quality of the fruit and its marketability decreased, but fruits treated with calcium nitrate and potassium phosphite received higher scores from the evaluators. The use of calcium increases the strength of the membrane and reduces the activity of enzymes that relax the cell wall, which therefore increases the firmness of the fruit and reduces the weight loss and rot of fruits during storage. The use of potassium phosphite has also been effective in reducing caries. Calcium along with potassium play a role in photosynthesis and cause the accumulation of sugars. Vitamin c is associated with a decrease during storage, due to the use of ascorbic acid as an ascorbate peroxidase cofactor. Finally, it seems that the marketability of the fruit has increased due to the increase of quality traits such as sugars, due to the use of calcium nitrate and potassium phosphite. Conclusion The storage of Thomson Novel oranges was affected by the treatments used, and the highest firmness, weight and quality characteristics of the fruit were obtained in the highest amount of calcium nitrate and potassium phosphite. Also, the rate of caries has decreased significantly with the use of these treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new isoprenylated chromones, named harriforatins A−C (1 − 3), along with 13 known compounds (4 − 16) were isolated from the stems of Harrisonia perforata. Their planar structures were elucidated by spectroscopic measurements. The experimental and calculated ECD curves were used to determine their absolute configurations. Most isolated compounds were evaluated for inflammation inhibition against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 macrophages. Only compounds 5 and 6 showed inhibitory effects on NO production, with IC 50 values of 42.8 and 47.0 μM, respectively, that were stronger than that of the positive control, indomethacin (IC 50 = 68.6 μM). [Display omitted] • Three new isoprenylated chromones were isolated from Harrisonia perforata stems. • The structures with absolute configurations were established by extensive spectroscopic methods. • Two compounds showed a significant inhibitory effect on NO production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new compounds belonging to a new class of acetophenone-alkaloid hybrids, acroquinolones A (1a) and B (1b), together with six known compounds, were isolated from the leaves of Acronychia pedunculata (L.) Miq. Their structures contain a quinolone and an acetophenone fragment, connected through an isopentyl unit. Attempts to isolate more hybrids from another sample collected at the same location but during a different season led to the isolation of a new tocopherol (2). The new compounds were evaluated against several cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stem of Conchocarpus mastigophorus was solvent‐extracted and purified by silica‐gel column chromatography to afford eleven natural products, including one new compound. The structures of all compounds were fully elucidated by spectrometric methods. NMR analyses assisted by theoretical calculations were used to determine the structure of a novel natural product. The structure of the novel compound 2 (acridone alkaloid) was established as 1,3,6‐trihydroxy‐2,4,5‐trimethoxy‐10‐methylacridin‐9(10H)‐one. The absolute configuration of compound 1 was assigned by means of vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy. The structure of compound 1 was defined as (3S)‐(−)‐3‐hydroxy‐1‐methylpiperidin‐2‐one. Theoretical calculations were performed at the B3LYP/6‐311+G(2d,p)//M06‐2X/6‐31+G(d,p) level of theory and DP4 statistical tool was employed to compare the calculated and experimental NMR chemical shifts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) is a plant belonging to the family of Rutaceae and to the genus Citrus. The fruit is widely used in the United States, Mexico, Southeast Asia, Latin America, but is increasingly widespread all over the world. It is used as a fresh fruit, in the preparation of foods, sweets and drinks and its oils are used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. The main adverse reactions to lime seem to be represented by contact dermatitis, allergic and phototoxic type. In the context of allergic forms, several allergens have been identified in the citrus family, the main one being limonene, but no noteworthy cross-reactivity has been identified. However, a case of fruit protein contact dermatitis has been described, showing sensitization to other fruits, such as kiwi, avocado, pineapple and apple. There are several molecules responsible for phototoxic reactions and mainly belonging to the coumarin and furocoumarins families. Reactions related to ingesting the fruit or inhaling pollen from the tree appear to be rare, as there are no known cases reported in the literature. The increasing diffusion of lime in Europe must pay attention to possible adverse reactions due to contact with this fruit, which seem destined to increase in future years. Further importance must be placed on patch tests and on the possibility of using alternative extracts to classic fragrance mixes.

Wampee (Clausena lansium) is a relative of cultivated citrus in the Rutaceae family. Its cracked fruit in orchard is not susceptible to Penicillium italicum infection, but the mechanism remains unknown. In this study, it was found that the volatiles from wampee leaf (WL) and wampee pericarp (WP) can repress the infection and development of P. italicum in vitro. Additionally, WL exhibited strong antifungal effects in in vivo experiments as well. Antifungal activity analysis of WL volatile organic compounds (VOCs) demonstrated that (E)-2-hexenal is the key antifungal compound against P. italicum by disrupting the integrity of cell membrane. Moreover, exogenous (E)-2-hexenal treatment significantly reduced the area covered by mycelia on citrus fruits and increased the expression of genes and accumulation of various metabolites related to disease resistance. These results indicate that WL can be used as a promising natural preservative in citrus postharvest handling mainly due to the antifungal activity of (E)-2-hexenal. • Volatiles from wampee leaves have antifungal activities. • (E)-2-hexenal is an important antifungal component in wampee leaves. • Exogenous (E)-2-hexenal treatment enhances the resistance of citrus fruit to blue mold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hesperetin is the aglycone of hesperidin and is widely found in the Rutaceae plants and herbal medicines. It exhibits antioxidant, detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, similar to hesperidin. It has also shown potential in the regulation of certain diseases. In order to detect hesperetin in complex matrix samples such as citrus and herbal, we developed an anti-hesperetin monoclonal antibody and established an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA). The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50) was determined to be 2.03 ng/mL, the detection range was 0.39–12.73 ng/mL. In practical sample testing, the concentration of hesperidin measured by icELISA is consistent with the result of UPLC-MS/MS, and the correlation coefficient (R2) is 0.97. These results showed that the established method has good accuracy, reproducibility and broad application prospects, and can be used for the detection of hesperetin in complex matrix samples (such as citrus and herbal samples). Graphical Abstract (for review). [Display omitted] • A novel hapten of hesperetin was designed and synthesized. • A sensitive mAb (1D11) against hesperetin was prepareed with IC 50 of 2.03 ng/mL. • The developed icELISA can be used for the detection of hesperetin in complex matrix samples such as citrus and herbal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asiatic citrus canker (ACC) foliar lesions were evaluated on progenies of 84 seed-source genotypes (“parent genotypes”) from the Citrus Variety Collection (CVC) of the University of California at Riverside (UCR) of Citrus trifoliata and hybrids between C. trifoliata and other Citrus species and hybrids. Trees were planted Aug. 2013 in a completely randomized design at the Fort Pierce U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grove. Plants were assessed visually Aug. 2017, Sept. 2019, and Sept. 2020 for distinctive ACC lesion incidence and severity. Progeny were compared by parent genotypes using nonparametric analysis. Incidence of ACC [percentage of leaves displaying symptoms, verified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to be associated with Xanthomonas citri pv. citri] across parent genotypes ranged from 8% to 80% (mean, 49%) of leaves affected in 2017, from 4% to 58% (mean, 29%) in 2019, and 8% to 46% (mean, 25%) in 2020. In 2017, of 49 C. trifoliata parent genotypes, only four separated from the two highest ACC-incidence statistical categories [Citrus Research Center (CRC) 3345, 3484, 3888, and 4017]. whereas 29 of the 35 C. trifoliata hybrids displayed lower ACC incidence, which separated from the two highest statistical categories. In 2019, of the C. trifoliata, only six separated from the highest ACC-incidence statistical category (CRC 3330, 3484, 3547, 3549, 3876, and 3888), whereas all 35 C. trifoliata hybrids displayed lower ACC incidence and separated from the highest statistical category, and 26 hybrids separated from 18 of the C. trifoliata. In 2020, only three C. trifoliata separated from the highest ACC-incidence statistical category (CRC 2861, 3549, and 3888) and 20 hybrids separated from 18 of the C. trifoliata. By parent genotype, ACC incidence correlated substantially between each pair of the 3 years, with r2 values of 0.39, 0.57, and 0.65. Of 34 hybrids validated, similar numbers had C. trifoliata, grapefruit (C. ×aurantium var. racemosa), and sweet orange (C. ×aurantium var. sinensis) chloroplasts. Chloroplast type affected ACC incidence and severity, but not in a consistent manner. Near-isogenic groups within C. trifoliata, as determined by DNA markers, were associated with some statistically different ACC sensitivity. Overall, hybrids of C. trifoliata with other citrus types displayed markedly reduced ACC sensitivity compared with C. trifoliata, indicating that this trait is readily overcome through breeding.

During floristic research in 2017–2020 in the Emirate of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), we made new findings that complement the species composition of the flora of vascular plants in the territory of the Emirate and the UAE as a whole. The article provides data on 7 new ergasiophytes and ergasiophygophytes, alien to the Emirate of Fujairah: Asystasia gangetica T. Andersson (Acanthaceae) found growing wild in Dibba, A. gangetica subsp. micrantha (Nees) Y. F. Deng et N. H. Xia (Acanthaceae), as a weed in the nurseries of Dibba, Rul Dadna and Al Bidiya, Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. (Apiaceae), as a weed in Dibba town, Basella alba L. (Basellaceae) cultivated and becomes wild in Dibba town, Citrus ×limon (L.) Osbeck (Rutaceae) cultivated and often found growing wild in Dibba, the village of Sharm and other settlements of the Emirate, Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. cultivated and becomes wild in Dibba, Rul Dadna, Al Bidiya and other places, and M. paniculata (L.) Jack (Rutaceae) cultivated and becomes wild in plant nurseries in Dibba and Al Bidiya. Asystasia gangetica, A. micrantha, and Centella asiatica are new alien species for Fujairah Emirate and the UAE, and Basella nigra, Murraya koenigii and M. paniculata are new also for Arabia as a whole. A brief history of the study of the flora of the UAE and a preliminary summary of its species diversity are also given.

The (Forests) Editorial Office wishes to make the following changes to the author's paper [[1]].Affiliation Update:In the publication, there was an error regarding the affiliation for "Prashant Kaushik". The updated affiliation should be: "Independent Researcher, 46022 Valencia, Spain". And the email address should be "prashantumri@gmail.com".The authors state that the scientific conclusions are unaffected. This correction was approved by the Academic Editor. The original publication has also been updated.By Prashant Kaushik and Shashi KumarReported by Author; Author [Extracted from the article]

Two additional oxyprenylated phenylpropanoids in Citrus paradisi Macfad. seeds extract • The isolation of novel O- prenylpropanoids from grapefruit is described. • Novel phytochemicals have been characterized by HPLC/DAD. • Novel phytochemicals have been isolated for the first time within the Rutaceae family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical investigation of the root of Zanthoxylum paracanthum afforded 1 new alkamide derivative, (2E,4E)-6-oxo-N-isobutyldeca-2,4-dienamide (1) together with 10 known congeners including one phenolic amide (2), four benzophenanthridines (3 − 6), three indolonaphthyridines (7 − 9) and two lignans (10 and 11). Their structures were elucidated by a combination of spectroscopic and spectrometric data. Using resazurin reduction assay, the crude extract (10 µg/mL) and isolates (10 µM) were screened for their cytotoxic activities against the drug-sensitive (CCRF-CEM) leukemia cell line and its multidrug-resistant counterpart (CEM/ADR5000). Compounds 3, 4 and 6 showed cytotoxicity against CCRF-CEM with IC50 values of 2.00 ± 0.33, 2.31 ± 0.20 and 0.11 ± 0.04 µM, respectively. Only compound 6 exhibited strong cytotoxic activity against CEM/ADR5000 with an IC50 value of 2.34 ± 0.34 µM in comparison with the standard drug doxorubicin which showed IC50 values of 0.01 ± 0.14 (CCRF-CEM) and 26.78 ± 3.30 µM (CEM/ADR5000). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the systematic status of Fortunella Swingle and its taxonomy has attracted much attention. Flora of China incorporates Fortunella into Citrus Linn. and treats all species of the traditional Fortunella as one species, namely Citrus japonica (Thunb.) Swingle. Furthermore, F. venosa (Champ. ex Benth.) C. C. Huang and F. hindsii (Champ. ex Benth.) Swingle are currently considered as synonyms of C. japonica. In this paper, morphological, palynological, and phylogenetic analyses were used to systematically explore the taxonomic status of traditional Fortunella. The key morphological features that differed among the Fortunella species were the leaf and the petiole hence could be key in its taxonomic classification of the species. Additionally, pollen morphological analysis based on the pollen size, germination grooves, polar, and equatorial axes also supported the separation of the species. The results of the phylogenetic analysis showed that each of the three species clustered separately, hence strongly supporting the conclusion of independent species. In addition, the phylogenetic analysis showed that the two genera clustered closely together hence our results support the incorporation of Fortunella into Citrus. Based on the above, this article has revised the classification of the traditional Fortunella and determined that this genus has three species, namely; F. venosa , F. hindsii , and F. japonica. F. venosa and F. hindsii are placed in the Citrus as separate species, and their species names still use the previous specific epithet. The revised scientific names of the new combinations of F. venosa and F. hindsii are as follows: Citrus venosa (Champ. ex Benth.) K. M. Liu, X. Z. Cai, and G. W. Hu, comb. nov. and Citrus hindsii (Champ. ex Benth.) K. M. Liu, G. W. Hu, and X. Z. Cai, comb. nov. F. venosa is the original species of Fortunella , F. venosa and F. hindsii are both listed as the second-class key protected wild plants in China. Therefore, the establishment of the taxonomic status of F. venosa and F. hindsii not only deepens our understanding, importance, and the complexity of the systematic classification of Fortunella , but is also significant for global biodiversity conservation, genetic resources for breeding purposes, and population genetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encapsulation via nanotechnology offers a potential method to overcome limited thermal and photo-stability of botanical pesticides. In this study, nanospheres of essential oils (NSEO) derived from Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam. fruit were characterized and evaluated for their photostability and insecticidal activity against Bemisia tabaci. Three major compounds of Z. rhoifolium fruits were detected by CG-MS: β-phellandrene (76.8%), β-myrcene (9.6%), and germacrene D (8.3%). The nanoprecipitation method was used to obtain homogeneous spherical NSEO, with ≥98% encapsulation efficiency. Tests with UV/Vis spectrophotometry showed significantly reduced photodegradation from exposed NSEO samples when compared with essential oil (EO) controls. Whitefly screenhouses bioassays with bean plants treated with 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 1.5% suspensions showed EO treatments in both free and nanoencapsulated forms reduced adult whitefly oviposition by up to 71%. In further tests, applications at 1.5% caused ≥64% mortality of second instar nymphs. When the test was conducted under high temperature and light radiation conditions, the insecticidal effect of NSEO treatments was improved (i.e., 84.3% mortality) when compared to the free form (64.8%). Our results indicate the insecticidal potential of EO-derived from Z. rhoifolium fruits with further formulation as nanospheres providing greater photostability and enhanced insecticidal activity against B. tabaci under adverse environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zanthoxylum nitidum, known as Liang-Mian-Zhen in China, is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant used to treat traumatic injury, rheumatism, paralysis, toothache, stomach ache, and venomous snake bites. Two varieties of the species have been described and three morphological types have been reported within the original variety. However, taxonomic delimitation and molecular markers for distinguishing these varieties and types within this species remain unknown. Since different populations exhibit varying chemical compositions, easy identification of intraspecific taxa is crucial. We collected 420 individuals from 38 natural populations, 3 samples of standard medicinal material, and 17 folk-medicine samples to perform classification and identification within Zanthoxylum nitidum. Four distinct genetic clusters (A, B, C, and D) were highly supported by the nuclear barcode. Two distinct chloroplast clusters (A1 and A2) were further detected within A, and three others had one-to-one correspondence with the remaining nuclear clusters. Molecular identification showed that the 17 folk samples comprised A1, A2, B, and D, while the 3 standard samples belonged to A2. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and rbcL gene are proposed as barcodes for rapid and accurate identification of the different Liang-Mian-Zhen lineages in China. This study highlights the importance of accurate taxonomic delimitation in combination with rapid and accurate molecular identification of medicinal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the main causes of low germination of Zanthoxylum rhoifolium Lam. (Rutaceae) seeds. Initially, the physical and physiological qualities were evaluated in seeds from four areas (lots) (Step I). Then, tests were performed (Step II) to determine physical dormancy (imbibition in water and methylene blue), physiological (germination test with scarification) and morphological (analysis of the embryo), in addition to histochemical analysis and (Step III) bioassay in aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts. In Step I, a low germination was observed in all evaluated lots (d" 1.0%); however, in the tetrazolium test, a high viability was verified for the Dois Vizinhos lot (88%). The lots showed differences in their physical aspects, with the predominance of seeds with damage. In Stage II, developed embryos were verified and there has no germination without the tegument. The methylene blue and histochemical test indicated the presence of an impermeable and thick tegmen. The bioessays with hydroalcoholic extracts indicated the presence of germination inhibitor(s). The main causes associated with low germination of Z. rhoifolium seeds are attributed to the combined dormancy due to an impermeable tegmen and some non-specific physiological dormancy, as well as the presence of damaged seeds. The seeds also contain germination inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xanthomonas citri pv. citri (Xcc) and X. citri pv. aurantifolii (Xca) are causal agents of Citrus Bacterial Canker (CBC), a devastating disease that severely affects citrus plants. They are harmful organisms not reported in Europe or the Mediterranean Basin. Host plants are in the Rutaceae family, including the genera Citrus, Poncirus, and Fortunella, and their hybrids. In addition, other genera of ornamental interest are reported as susceptible, but results are not uniform and sometimes incongruent. We evaluated the susceptibility of 32 ornamental accessions of the Rutaceae family belonging to the genera Citrus, Fortunella, Atalantia, Clausena, Eremocitrus, Glycosmis, Microcitrus, Murraya, Casimiroa, Calodendrum, and Aegle, and three hybrids to seven strains of Xcc and Xca. Pathotyping evaluation was assessed by scoring the symptomatic reactions on detached leaves. High variability in symptoms and bacterial population was shown among the different strains in the different hosts, indicative of complex host–pathogen interactions. The results are mostly consistent with past findings, with the few discrepancies probably due to our more complete experimental approach using multiple strains of the pathogen and multiple hosts. Our work supports the need to regulate non-citrus Rutaceae plant introductions into areas, like the EU and Mediterranean, that are currently free of this economically important pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The lack of a direct connection between solid edible or medical natural products and bioactive compound profiling is a bottleneck in natural product research and quality control. Here, a novel integrated system, online extraction (OLE)–2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)–HPLC−DAD−QTOF-MS, was fabricated to extract, screen, and identify antioxidants from the whole fruit of Citrus aurantium L. var. amara (CAVA, Rutaceae) simply, rapidly, and efficiently. The system consumes less sample (1.0 mg of CAVA powder) and requires a shorter analytical time (45 min for sample extraction, antioxidants screening, separation, and identification). Eight antioxidant flavonoids were screened and identified, and six available flavanones were sensitively, precisely, and accurately quantified. Two major flavanone glycosides, naringin (50.37 ± 0.43 mg/g) and neohesperidin (38.20 ± 0.27 mg/g), exhibit potent DPPH scavenging activities with IC50 values of 111.9 ± 10.06 and 178.55 ± 11.28 μg/mL. A minor flavanone aglycone, hesperitin (0.73 ± 0.06 mg/g), presents stronger DPPH scavenging activity (IC50, 39.07 ± 2.51 μg/mL). Furthermore, density functional theory calculations demonstrated their electron transport ability and chemical reactivity, which confirmed the screened results. The results indicate that the developed OLE–DPPH–HPLC−DAD−QTOF-MS system provides new perspectives for analysis of antioxidants from complex natural products, which also contribute to the quality evaluation of CAVA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bergamot belongs to the Rutaceae family and is a typical fruit grown principally in the province of Reggio Calabria (South Italy). Nowadays, its industrial use is mostly related to the extraction of the essential oil contained in the flavedo but also to a lesser extent the extraction of the juice (from the pulp), which is rich in antioxidants. However, the pressed pulp (known as Pastazzo) is either used for animal feed or is discarded. The aim of this research was to study the effect of bergamot Pastazzo flour in shortbread biscuits. Pastazzo flour partially replaced the 00 wheat flour in different percentages (2.5%, 5%, 10% and 15%). Simultaneously, a sample without the addition of Pastazzo flour (control) was analyzed, thus obtaining five biscuit samples. Cooking was done in a ventilated oven at 180 °C. The baking time was different for the control and the enriched samples depending on when the desired color was reached. The control took 12 min, while the enriched samples reached the desired color in 8 min. All samples were subjected to physicochemical and antioxidant characterization, as well as total polyphenols and flavonoids. The use of Pastazzo flour resulted in a slight increase in water activity and humidity values. pH values decreased for all the enriched samples compared to the control, but this was more relevant for the samples enriched with 10 and 15% of flour from by-products. Hardness varied from 1823 g (Control) to 2022 and 2818 g (respectively, for 2.5% and 15% bergamot Pastazzo flour in the recipe). Total phenol content varied from 0.14 mg GAE g−1 (Control) to 0.60 and 3.64 mg GAE g−1 (respectively, for 2.5% and 15% bergamot Pastazzo flour in the recipe). The obtained results demonstrated that the use of Pastazzo flour had a positive influence on the antioxidant content, with values which increased as more Pastazzo flour was added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work describes the chemical composition and bioactivity of essential oils and selected compounds belonging to the families Piperaceae, Myrtaceae and Rutaceae. GC-MS analysis of the oils enabled the identification of safrole, Dill apiole, (E)-nerolidol, 1,8-Cineole, Citronellal and limonene as major constituents of the oil of the Piper divaricatum, Piper aducum, Melaleuca, Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus citriodora and Citrus, respectively. Among the essential oils tested, P. aduncum was the most toxic by residual contact, topical and ovicide assay on Spodoptera frugiperda. Among the chemical compounds, safrole was the most toxic by residual contact whereas citronellal was the most toxic in the topical assay and ovicidal activity. The antifeedant activity was found for the oils from Piper, Melaleuca, Syzygium, C. aurantiifolia var amara, C. limon and Safrol. This work showed that Piper oils are the most promising for future use for the control of S. frugiperda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Glycosmis albicarpa Sujana & Vadhyar from Kanyakumari wildlife sanctuary of southern Western Ghats, India is described and illustrated. It differs from all other species of Glycosmis by its short and broadly lanceolate leaves, short (3–5 mm long) peduncles, clawed petals and broadly ovoid white fruits. The description is complemented with color photographs, micromorphology of pollen and seed under SEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plants Rutaceae family are known to have contributed a lot toward food and medicine. The most important metabolites of the family are flavonoids. A systematic review was conducted to collect chemical and pharmacological information of flavonoids isolated from family Rutaceae till 2018. A plethora of flavonoids have been isolated and studied systematically for various bioactivities, including anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, analgesic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiinflammatory, in bronchitis, ulcers, and so on. The important groups of flavonoids isolated are naringin, poncirin, rhoifolin, marmesin, hesperidin, tangeretin, nobiletin, glychalcone, glyflavanone, lemairone, acacetin 3,6‐di‐C‐glucoside, vicenin‐2, lucenin‐2 4′‐methyl ether, narirutin 4′‐O‐glucoside, apigenin 8‐C‐neohesperidoside, phloretin 3′,5′‐di‐C‐glucoside, rutin, rhamnetin, dihydrokaempferol, dihydrokaempferol 3‐O‐rhamnoside (engeletin) and kaempferol, excavaside A and B, myricetin 3‐O‐β‐D‐rutinoside, myricetin 3,3′‐di‐α‐l‐rhamnopyranoside, myricetin 3′‐α‐l‐rhamnopyranoside, and others. The flavonoids isolated from the citrus family need to be considered from a nutraceutical, therapeutic, and pharmaceutical point of view for future medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Auraptene and umbelliprenin are among the most abundant naturally occurring prenyloxy umbelliferone derivatives. Both have been mainly isolated from plants belonging to numerous genera of the Rutaceae (in particular auraptene in Citrus spp.) and Apiaceae (in particular umbelliprenin in Ferula spp.) families, comprising different and widely used medicinal plants and in general plants having beneficial effects to human welfare as well as edible fruits and vegetables. Although known for quite a long time (nearly a century for auraptene and 50 years for umbelliprenin), only in the last two decades the two title natural compounds were revealed to possess valuable and promising pharmacological properties as dietary feeding active cancer chemopreventive, anti-bacterial, anti-protozoal, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-oxidant agents among the activities best detailed in the recent literature. The aim of this comprehensive review is to outline in detail the effects described in the very last years for auraptene and umbelliprenin and what has been reported about the mechanisms of action underlying the observed pharmacological activities of these oxyprenylated secondary metabolites. In view of the herein described data suggestions on how to address the future research about both natural products in the best ways according to Authors will be also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytopathogenic fungi Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Rhizopus stolonifer infect different crop plants. Essential oils have been used as an alternative to chemical control methods. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the essential oil chemical composition of the stem bark of Zanthoxylum riedelianum (ZREO) and evaluate its antifungal potential. The ZREO obtained by hydrodistillation was analyzed using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and evaluated for in vitro antifungal activity. The major components identified in the chemical analysis were E-nerolidol (67.21%), α-selinene (14.94%), and β-selinene (7.41%). The antifungal potential of ZREO against S. sclerotiorum and R. stolonifer was detected at all concentrations evaluated in a dose-dependent manner. The best results were against R. stolonifer, with the concentration of 150 µLmL−1 inhibiting more than 80% of mycelial growth. On the basis of the current knowledge, this study describes for the first time the chemical composition and their antifungal activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An undescribed conjugated sesquiterpene, amelicarin (1), together with nine known compounds (2–10) were isolated for the first time from Melicope latifolia. Their structures were elucidated by extensive NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric methods. The conjugated sesquiterpene possesses a unique 6/6/9/4-ring fused tetracyclic skeleton. The proposed biosynthesis pathway of 1 consist of three reactions steps: (1) polyketide formation, (2) cyclisation and (3) addition to form the conjugated sesquiterpenoid as final metabolite. Out of the ten isolated metabolites, amelicarin (1) showed activity against 4 cancerous cell lines namely SK-MEL skin cancer, KB oral cancer, BT-549 breast cancer, and SK-OV-3 ovarian cancer with IC50 values between 15 and 25 µg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to characterize the chemical and biological properties of the edible plant, Clausena harmandiana (Pierre) Guillaumin. Fresh leaves of this plant were hydrodistilled to obtain the essential oil, which was characterized by GC-MS. Total phenolic content was evaluated by Folin-Ciocalteau assay. Biological activity was assessed by measuring antioxidants, antimicrobial activities, and the inhibitory effects on tyrosinase, collagenase, and α-glucosidase. The primary components were trans-anethole (91.44%), followed by estragole (2.98%) and cis-anethole (2.55%). The essential oil contained the amount of phenolic 20.63 mg GAE/g extract and showed the activity to scavenge DPPH (IC50 18.48 mg/mL), ABTS (IC50 3.97 mg/mL) radicals and also presented the ability to reduce Fe3+-TPTZ complex on FRAP assay (3.74 mg TEAC/g extract). Additionally, the C. harmandiana essential oil exhibited antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans (MIC 6.63 mg/mL, MFC 13.25 mg/mL) and interestingly presented enzymatic inhibitory effects on collagenase (IC50 0.059 mg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50 0.677 mg/mL). The remarkable activity of inhibition on α-glucosidase was two times more to acarbose (IC50 1.26 mg/mL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The name Limonia crenulata Roxb. was inadvertently typified three times by different authors. Here, I correct one of those typifications to lectotype, based on an original illustration accompanying the protologue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orixa japonica Thunb. is an important medicinal plant belonging to the family Rutaceae. In this study, we determined the the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of O. japonica, which was 158,525 bp in length containing one large single copy region (85,965 bp), one small single copy region (18,552 bp), and a pair of inverted repeat regions (27,004 bp each). A total of 134 genes were annotated in the cp genome, including 88 protein coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, eight rRNA genes, and one pseudo gene ycf1. According to the phylogenetic analysis, O. japonica clustered together with Casimiroa edulis with high bootstrap value, indicating a close genetic relationship with subfamily Amyridoideae.

In the light of the continuing threat of huanglongbing, an update of the author's 1997 classification for edible citrus is presented and a new combination in Murraya J.Koenig is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species of Zanthoxylum L. (Rutaceae) from Andean Ecuador are here described based upon their morphological characters: Z. complexum Reynel, Z. kallunkiae Reynel, and Z. pluvimontanum Reynel & D. Tarazona. They all belong to the most speciose section of the genus, Macqueria Comm. ex Triana & Planch, and within it, they can be distinguished by several characters; each one belongs to a different species group of the mentioned section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Structural differences in the secondary vascular tissues among habitats can contribute to understanding species performances, especially regarding water and photosynthate transport. The pattern of association between the secondary xylem tissue and water availability from the environment has been widely studied, unlike the secondary phloem, which has been barely explored. Here, we evaluated the structural variation of the secondary xylem and phloem in stems of four populations of two tropical tree species under contrasting water conditions. We also investigated the mirrored structure between both tissues. At dry sites, Moquiniastrum polymorphum had higher vessel density, thicker xylem fibers cell walls, and taller rays in both tissues commonly associated with safe transport, in agreement with our expectations. In contrast, the populations of Zanthoxylum rhoifolium had most features in disagreement with the water availability of each site. The perforation and sieve plates, the ray composition, and the axial parenchyma were similar in the two tree species' xylem and phloem tissues. However, the quantitative descriptors of cell sizes were not correlated between the xylem and phloem. In general, there is a different pattern of morphological variation across sites in the two tropical tree species, highlighting that any generalization regarding the vascular system structure across environments should be avoided. Xylem and phloem revealed a mirrored structure in a few qualitative features, not followed by the dimensions of different cell types. Future research needs to explore the causes of the unexpected structural variation in the vascular system across populations in tropical tree species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical analysis of the leaf extract of Zanthoxylum caribaeum Lam (Family Rutaceae) collected in the La Garita district, Municipality of Los Patios in Norte de Santander, Colombia, is reported. Ethanolic extracts by simple maceration were concentrated at reduced pressure. Secondary metabolites found in preliminary identification demonstrated the presence of of alkaloids, tannins, carotenoids, anthocyanins, coumarins, cardiotonics, flavonoids, quinones, saponins, sesquiterpenlactones, and triterpenoids. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis identified the presence of ten compounds, with a-trans-farnesene (33.5%) as the main constituent, followed by trans-ß-caryophyllene (28.1%), S-cadinene (9.7%), caryophyllene oxide (8.3%) and γ-muurolene (8.1%). Some of these compounds have been reported with biological properties such as antiparasitic, antimicrobial or cytotoxic, so Zanthoxylum caribaeum is a promising species in the Department of North Santander as a source of compounds chemicals with important biological activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study investigated the essential oil composition, metal profile and physiochemical properties of Citrus macrophylla Wester fruits collected from Agricultural Research Corporation, Shambat area, Khartoum North, Sudan. The species was introduced by one of the authors Dr. Moawia E. Mohamed from the National Repository of Citrus and Dates of Riverside, California, USA. This species is known as universal rootstock. Results: The graphite furnace–atomic absorption spectrometry determined the presence of sodium (6.38 ppm), potassium (701.93 ppm), calcium (371.28 ppm), magnesium (54.78 ppm), cadmium (0.013 ppm), zinc (0.256 ppm) and lead (0.200 ppm). The content of peel, moisture and ash of C. macrophylla was measured as 18.35%, 23.75% and 2.04%, respectively. Among thirty compounds identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, limonene is the major compound (72.85%). The vitamin C (ascorbic acid) content of C. macrophylla juice was determined as 55.0 mg/100 g. The fruit diameter, fruit weight and percentages of juice, peel and seed were determined as 91.4 mm, 276.5 g, 47.92%, 26.37% and 19.20%, respectively. The pH value, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA) and ripening index (RI) of C. macrophylla are found to be 3.50, 8.00%, 7.44% and 10.81, respectively. Conclusion: The results in this study suggested that C. macrophylla could be beneficial in food as healthy juice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire seasonality (the time of year of fire occurrence) has important implications for a wide range of demographic processes in plants, including seedling recruitment. However, the underlying mechanisms of fire-driven recruitment of species with physiological seed dormancy remain poorly understood, limiting effective fire and conservation management, with insights hampered by common methodological practices and complex dormancy and germination requirements. We sought to identify the mechanisms that regulate germination of physiologically dormant species in nature and assess their sensitivity to changes in fire seasonality. We employed a combination of laboratory-based germination trials and burial-retrieval trials in natural populations of seven species of Boronia (Rutaceae) to characterize seasonal patterns in dormancy and fire-stimulated germination over a 2-year period and synthesized the observed patterns into a conceptual model of fire seasonality effects on germination. The timing and magnitude of seedling emergence was mediated by seasonal dormancy cycling and seasonal temperature cues, and their interactions with fire seasonality, the degree of soil heating expected during a fire, and the duration of imbibition. Primary dormancy was overcome within 4–10 months' burial and cycled seasonally. Fire-associated heat and smoke stimulated germination once dormancy was alleviated, with both cues required in combination by some species. For some species, germination was restricted to summer temperatures (a strict seasonal requirement), while others germinated over a broader seasonal range of temperatures but exhibited seasonal preferences through greater responses at warmer or cooler temperatures. The impacts of fires in different seasons on germination can vary in strength and direction, even between sympatric congeners, and are strongly influenced by moisture availability (both the timing of post-fire rainfall and the duration soils stay moist enough for germination). Thus, fire seasonality and fire severity (via its effect on soil heating) are expected to significantly influence post-fire emergence patterns in these species and others with physiological dormancy, often leading to "germination interval squeeze." Integration of these concepts into current fire management frameworks is urgently required to ensure best-practice conservation. This is especially pertinent given major, ongoing shifts in fire seasonality and rainfall patterns across the globe due to climate change and increasing anthropogenic ignitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]