Search

This study examined the ovipositional and olfactory preferences of gravid pod moths in both choice and non-choice settings. In terms of olfactory preferences, pod moth neonates strongly preferred Abutilon indicum under choice conditions, showing nil interest in other hosts. Under non-choice conditions, both neonates and final-instar larvae thrived on A. indicum but refrained from feeding on other hosts or diets, leading to neonate mortality. Remarkably, neonates exhibited an absolute preference for A. indicum seeds, being unable to feed on Abutilon seed diets or green cotton bolls, resulting in starvation-induced mortality. A majority of the final-instar larvae successfully fed, entered pupation and completed their life cycle on A. indicum seeds but the majority entered diapause when exposed to other hosts or diets as compared to A. indicum at a temperature of 21°C, a relative humidity of 60% and a photoperiod of 14:10 hours (light:dark). Cage studies confirmed pod moth's strong preference for A. indicum , allowing for successful larval feeding and adult emergence. However, pod moth failed to establish on cotton green bolls, underscoring their exclusive reliance on A. indicum as a host. These findings illuminate the intricate host preferences and behaviour of pod moth, underscoring the pivotal role of A. indicum in their life cycle, and is helpful for further research to exploit pod moth as an agent for biological control of the weed A. indicum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Caldasia is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The post-harvest techniques are the most critical point to ensure the quality of edible flowers (EFs) and to keep the bioactive metabolites available for human nutrition. The different species of EFs also represent a problem in improving their consumption with safety. The present study focused on the description of the effects of the commonly used drying treatments in the phytonutritional composition of four species of EFs, Callianthe megapotamica, Callianthe striata, Nemesia strumosa and Salvia elegans. The bioactive metabolites and antioxidant activity were determined after freeze-drying (FD) and hot-air-drying (HA) treatments in comparison to fresh flowers. All EFs showed different mineral/trace compositions with potassium as the main element and 70–86% water loss. Both post-harvest treatments increased all the metabolites and antioxidant activity in each species. C. striata with FD treatment had the highest content of primary and secondary metabolites. N. strumosa has the highest ascorbic acid content with the HA treatment. All species had significant antioxidant activity, increasing with FD for C. striata while HA is more recommended for the other species. The post-harvest techniques are able to preserve and increase the bioactive metabolites and must be chosen according to each EF species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Belgrade is the property of University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this research paper, a newly identified plant species of the genus Abutilon Mill., namely Abutilon jafrii F. Naseer, A. Noor & A. Rahman, is described and illustrated for the first time in the province of Sindh, Detailed morphological descriptions of the species along with the micro-morphological examinations of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for the mericarps, seeds and pollens are presented. Additionally, Macro morphological characteristics including photographs of the plant habit with flowers, fruits, seeds and mericarps are provided. Through gross macro-morphological and micromorphological investigations such as plant height, leaves texture and colour, pedicel of fruits and flowers, flowers diameter, sepal's size in flowers and fruits, number of seeds per mericarp, pollen tectum exhibit significant differences in characters, which indicate that, it is a distinct species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abutilon albidum, a cryptic Saharo-Canarian species, was thought to have been last collected in 1945 in Tenerife by E.R. Sventenius. In 2019, it was rediscovered in the same area. The characteristic features of the Canarian plants are discussed, especially in relation to the morphologically similar-looking and probably closely-related species Abutilon indicum and A. bidentatum. It is concluded that the plants from Tenerife and north-western Africa indeed represent a distinct species. The species is illustrated and a key for the identification of this and related species is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The post-harvest techniques are the most critical point to ensure the quality of edible flowers (EFs) and to keep the bioactive metabolites available for human nutrition. The different species of EFs also represent a problem in improving their consumption with safety. The present study focused on the description of the effects of the commonly used drying treatments in the phytonutritional composition of four species of EFs, Callianthe megapotamica, Callianthe striata, Nemesia strumosa and Salvia elegans. The bioactive metabolites and antioxidant activity were determined after freeze-drying (FD) and hot-air-drying (HA) treatments in comparison to fresh flowers. All EFs showed different mineral/trace compositions with potassium as the main element and 70–86% water loss. Both post-harvest treatments increased all the metabolites and antioxidant activity in each species. C. striata with FD treatment had the highest content of primary and secondary metabolites. N. strumosa has the highest ascorbic acid content with the HA treatment. All species had significant antioxidant activity, increasing with FD for C. striata while HA is more recommended for the other species. The post-harvest techniques are able to preserve and increase the bioactive metabolites and must be chosen according to each EF species.

We studied the main phenolic components of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti), common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) and common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium) aqueous extracts and evaluated their phytotoxicity to germinating seeds and seedling growth of lettuce and tomato. A total of 13 phenolic compounds were identified in aqueous extracts. The highest total phenolic content was found in velvetleaf leaves, followed by common ragweed leaves and common cocklebur stems. Caffeoyl quinic acids were the most abundant phenolics in these three weeds, while common ragweed and velvetleaf leaves were also rich in p-coumaric acid and rutin, respectively. Other phenolic compounds were present in moderate quantities in the stems and leaves of the tested weeds. The weed extracts at 50 % concentration or higher significantly inhibited the seed germination and early seedling growth of lettuce and tomato. The leaf aqueous extracts were more phytotoxic to lettuce and tomato than stem aqueous extracts. The leaf aqueous extract of common ragweed had the strongest inhibitory effects on lettuce, while the leaf aqueous extract of velvetleaf was most inhibitory to tomato. The aqueous extracts of common cocklebur were less inhibitory to lettuce and tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various author citations for the African species Abutilon bidentatum are usually used. According to the International Code of Nomenclature, its basionym was effectively and validly published on the printed labels of the Schimper exsiccata Iter Abyssinicum II n. 1003 and the type must be chosen accordingly.

Aphis cordubensis sp. n. (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is described from apterous and alate viviparous females, oviparous females and males collected in Villa Carlos Paz (Córdoba, Argentina) on Abutilon megapotamicum. A summarized identification key for apterous viviparae of Aphis species recorded worldwide on Malvaceae is presented. The diagnostic features allowing to differentiate the new species from the Aphis species known in South America are presented. The new species should be able to live in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay on wild and cultivated plants of Abutilon and perhaps on other genera of Malvaceae. The species is potentially invasive and trade and cultivation in gardens and plant nurseries of Abutilon and close genera must be monitored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of a combined ethanolic extract of Funtumia africana and Abutilon mauritianum leaves (CFAAM) on the sex steroid hormone levels and prostate indices of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) induced rats to validate their anti-BPH activities as claimed by traditional medicine healers. 30 male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 5 groups. Group 1 served as the normal control that received normal saline and olive oil only, while groups 2 - 5 were BPH induced. Group 2 was the BPH control, group 3 was treated with 5 mg/kg/d Finasteride, while groups 4 and 5 were treated with 200 and 600 mg/kg/d CFAAM respectively for 28 days. BPH induction caused significant (p<0.05) increases in the concentrations of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and estradiol, increased prostate weight and prostate index in the BPH control when compared with the normal control. Treatment with CFAAM significantly (p<0.05) reversed the increased testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and estradiol levels, prostate weight, and prostate indices in comparison with the BPH control. This study revealed that the CFAAM ameliorate adverse effects of benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats and may be useful in the management of individuals with benign prostatic hyperplasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of combined ethanol extract of Funtumia africana and Abutilon mauritianum leaves (FAAM) on the liver function indices of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) induced rats. The study used 30 rats divided into 5 groups, comprising normal control, BPH control, standard control, and BPH induced rats treated with 200 and 600 mg/kg/day of FAAM respectively. The BPH induction caused significant (p<0.05) increases in aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities of the BPH control when compared with the normal control. The BPH control also had significantly (p<0.05) reductions in the total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations and significant (p<0.05) elevated total bilirubin and direct bilirubin concentrations relative to the normal control. The FAAM treated BPH-induced rats had non-significantly (p>0.05) reduced AST, and alanine transaminase (ALT) activities relative to the BPH control. The BPH-induced rats treated with 600 mg/kg/day of FAAM had significantly (p<0.05) reduced ALP activities relative to the BPH control. Treatment with FAAM caused significant (p<0.05) increases in the total protein, albumin, globulin concentrations and significant (p<0.05) reductions in the total bilirubin and direct bilirubin concentrations relative to the BPH control. BPH had no observable adverse effects on the liver histomorphology of the rats. The findings of this study indicated that BPH impairs liver functions and treatment of BPH with combined ethanol extract of F. africana and A. mauritianum leaves restore normal liver functions in rats with BPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Plant Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The present study was aimed at comparing the in vivo wound healing and in vitro antibacterial activity of Abutilon indicum roots. Wound healing is a complex phenomenon which consists of three stages inflammatory, proliferative, and remodelling. Traditionally, A. indicum is used for wound healing. There is no specific scientific data available for the wound healing activity of Abutilon indicum root. The present study was designed to investigate the same. The wound healing activity of ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of A. indicum was evaluated in incision and burn wound models. The parameters studied include tensile strength, epithelialisation period and rate of wound contraction. A. indicum also possesses antimicrobial activity. Ethyl acetate and ethanolic extract of A. indicum was tested against both Gram positive, Gram negative and fungal organisms using agar well diffusion method. From the results, it was concluded that ethyl acetate extract of A. indicum root had greater wound activity and antimicrobial activity than the ethanolic extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abutilon fruticosum is one of the endemic plants with high medicinal and economic value in Saudi Arabia and belongs to the family Malvaceae. However, the plastome sequence and phylogenetic position have not been reported until this study. In this research, the complete chloroplast genome of A. fruticosum was sequenced and assembled, and comparative and phylogenetic analyses within the Malvaceae family were conducted. The chloroplast genome (cp genome) has a circular and quadripartite structure with a total length of 160,357 bp and contains 114 unique genes (80 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes and 4 rRNA genes). The repeat analyses indicate that all the types of repeats (palindromic, complement, forward and reverse) were present in the genome, with palindromic occurring more frequently. A total number of 212 microsatellites were identified in the plastome, of which the majority are mononucleotides. Comparative analyses with other species of Malvaceae indicate a high level of resemblance in gene content and structural organization and a significant level of variation in the position of genes in single copy and inverted repeat borders. The analyses also reveal variable hotspots in the genomes that can serve as barcodes and tools for inferring phylogenetic relationships in the family: the regions include trnH-psbA, trnK-rps16, psbI-trnS, atpH-atpI, trnT-trnL, matK, ycf1 and ndhH. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that A. fruticosum is closely related to Althaea officinalis, which disagrees with the previous systematic position of the species. This study provides insights into the systematic position of A. fruticosum and valuable resources for further phylogenetic and evolutionary studies of the species and the Malvaceae family to resolve ambiguous issues within the taxa.

In this present work, we report a novel green synthesis of MoO3 nanorods (NRs) utilizing Abutilon Indicum (A. Indicum) plant extract, containing palmitric, linoleic, linolinic acids and their derivatives which might be acting as both reducing and stabilizing agents. The synthesized catalyst has been employed to reduce toxic Cr(VI) to Cr(III) in the aqueous solution which was continuously monitored by UV-Vis absorbance spectroscopy. The structural, optical and morphological characterizations are performed using PXRD, UV-DRS, PL, FESEM, TEM, FT-IR and EDAX. The optical properties were precisely investigated by calculating the Tauc's relation. The band gap of as synthesized MoO3 was found to be 2.57 eV (483 nm) which falls under visible region, thus catalyst can be activated under solar light which could be cost effective. Biologically synthesized MoO3 NRs showed highest activity, i.e., almost 99% toward reduction of Cr(VI) under solar light. In addition to this, the photo firmness and reusability test showed that the catalyst can be reused upto five cycles without waning its activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on in vitro regeneration of Abutilon indicum plantlets through callus mediated organogenesis. The leaf explants implanted on Murashige and Skoogs (MS) medium supplemented with 4.52 µM 2, 4-Dicholorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and 8.88 µM 6 Benzyladenine (BA) showed highest response (70.3%) for callus proliferation, but these callus did not showed any morphogenetic differentiation on the same medium even after 12 weeks. Whereas, subsequent sub-culture of this green proliferated callus on MS medium added with 2.68µM α-Napthalene acetic acid (NAA), 8.88µM BA and 543 µM Adenine sulphate showed the highest frequency (62.2%) of multiple shoot-buds production and also elongation of shoots. Well developed shoots were efficiently rooted in vitro on half strength MS medium supplemented with 7.38 µM Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Seventy per cent of in vitro regenerated plantlets were successfully established in garden and were morphologically alike to the donor plants. The genetic homogeneity of these in vitro regenerated plantlets was also affirmed by inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) analysis using eight ISSR primers. This standardised in vitro organogenesis protocol supplements a good platform for the conservation of A. indicum germplasms and also caters for the needs of the herbal industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Objective : The present study aimed to analyse the COX2 inhibitory activity of Abutilon indicum. Background : Prostaglandins are among the major mediators of the body's response to pain and inflammation, and are constituted of essential fatty acids existing in cell membranes. This reaction was catalysed by cyclooxygenase, a membrane associated enzyme in two isoforms- COX-1 and COX-2. Abutilon indicum, commonly known as the Indian mallow, is famous for its therapeutic values, and further study of its COX-2 inhibitory activity is beneficial. Conclusion : Medicinal plants and shrubs which have little or no side effects have to be further investigated. Further study on its COX-2 inhibition will also increase its therapeutic value as an anti-inflammatory with added benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, there has been an upsurge in the use of naturally available fuels for solution combustion synthesis (SCS) of nanoparticles. Although many reports suggest that these biofuels pose less harm to the environment, their strategic advantages and reliability for making NPs has not been discussed. In the present work, we try to address this issue using plant extracts as biofuels for the SCS of zinc oxide nanoparticles as a model system. In the present work, combustion synthesis of ZnO NPs using lactose and aqueous leaf extracts of Abutilon indicum, Melia azedarach, Indigofera tinctoria as biofuels has been carried out. A comparative analysis of the obtained powders has been conducted to understand the strategic advantages of using plant extracts over a chemical as combustion fuel for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles. The X-ray diffractograms of the samples revealed the presence of Wurtzite hexagonal structure with varying crystallite sizes. Morphological studies indicated that samples prepared using biofuels had smaller diameter than those prepared using lactose as fuel. Surface characteristics of the samples were measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Qualitative phytochemical screening of aqueous leaf extracts revealed the presence of many phytochemicals in them, which might be responsible for combustion. Gas chromatography mass spectrum was carried out to detect the phytochemicals present in the aqueous extracts of the leaves. Further, anticancer evaluation carried out against DU-145 and Calu-6 cancer cells indicated higher anticancer activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles prepared using biofuels. The results of blood haemolysis revealed the biocompatibility of zinc oxide nanoparticles at lower concentrations. In conclusion, we propose that multiple other studies would be required in order to vindicate the potential advantages of using naturally available fuels in SCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet ssp. Indicum Family (Malvaceae) popularly known as Atibala is used as one of the most important drug in traditional system of medicine to treat various ailments. The present study deals with pharmacognostic, phytochemical, physicochemical and detail microscopical evaluation of leaves of Abutilon indicum. Abutilon indicum may be attributed to the successful conversion of botanical folklore medicines to modern wonder drugs and to amend the health condition for people and also to used in pharmaceutics and neutraceutics merchandise of commercial significance. Ethnic people use the ethnobotanical important plant species of Abutilon indicum. So there is necessary to study some phytochemical analysis and biological activities of this plant. Phytochemical screening should be carried out by using pure extract of various plant species of Abutilon indicum. Purification and toxicological studies should be carried out with a view of sourcing Antimicrobial agents for drug development. The propose work of present research is to focus on poisonous effect of Abutilon indicum in the form of powder of leaves and prepare the crude extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, green synthesis and determination of the antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer and photocatalytic properties of the resultant Cu-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (NAPs) were carried out. A superficial method (solution combustion method) was employed for the synthesis of un-doped ZnO NAPs from aqueous extract of Abutilon indicum , and synthesis of Cu-doped ZnO NAPs from aqueous extracts of Clerodendrum infortunatum (M1 NAPs) and Clerodendrum inerme (M2 NAPs). The synthesized un-doped ZnO, M1 and M2 NAPs were characterized by different spectroscopic techniques like Ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis), Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antibacterial and antifungal activities of M1 and M2 NAPs were determined by agar diffusion method, while their antioxidant properties were assessed through DPPH radical scavenging and ferric thiocyanate (FTC) and assays. Under sunlight irradiation, photocatalytic disintegration potential of M1 and M2 NAPs were determined by the degradation of Acid Black 234 dye. Results from FT-IR, XRD, EDX and SEM confirmed successful synthesis, crystalline nature, and spheroid-to-rod-like shapes of un-doped ZnO, M1 and M2 NAPs, with grain sizes of 16.72 nm, 17.49 nm and 20.73 nm; and band gap energies of 3.37 eV, 3.36 eV and 3.31 eV, respectively. The NAPs were good catalysts for effective degradation of Acid Black 234. They also exhibited remarkable antioxidant and anticancer activities. Significant antibacterial activity was shown by M2 NAPs against E. coli , S. aureus , Klebsiella and B. subtilis , with zones of inhibition (ZOIs) of 13 ± 0.09, 14 ± 0.01, 18 ± 0.07 and 20 ± 0.10, respectively . Significant antifungal potential was also produced by M2 NAPs at 5 mg with ZOIs of 17 ± 0.07 and 24 ± 0.08 against A. niger and T. harzianum , respectively . These results indicate that aqueous extracts of A. indicum , C. infortunatum and C. inerme are effective reducing agents for green synthesis of un-doped ZnO, and Cu-doped ZnO NAPs with significant antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antifungal potential. Thus they are good candidates for future therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abutilon x hybridum Hort. ex Voss is particularly appreciated for the flowers and the attractive maple-like leaves, as a decorative potted indoor plant, but it can also be placed on terraces, balconies and even in the garden during the summer. The paper presents the results regarding the influence of the pot size (10, 12, 14 cm) and foliar treatments with Cycocel (1000 ppm) on vegetative growth and flowering of plants. The aim of the experiment was to control height and improve the decorative aspect of plants. The results obtained show that the main morphological characteristics were influenced by the reduction of substrate volume and the growth regulator application. The minimum values of the analyzed parameters were recorded by the plants grown in 14 cm diameter pots, to which foliar treatments with Cycocel 1000 ppm were applied, followed by the untreated plants cultivated in pots with a diameter of 10 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Plant Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study describes an efficient plant regeneration protocol forAbutilon indicumvia somatic embryogenesis from 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)-induced leaf-derived callus on MS medium, fortified with 13.32 μM 6-benzyladenine (BA), 2.68 μM α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), 200 mgl−1-activated charcoal, and 11.54 μM ascorbic acid. This combination produced the highest (15.5 ± 0.7) number of somatic embryos after four weeks of culture. Further, the embryogenic calli were transferred to MS medium supplemented with 13.32 μM BA, 1.44 μM gibberellic acid (GA3), and 3% (w/v) sucrose and showed highest rate of germination (76.3 ± 7.0%). The germinated somatic embryos showed maximum plantlet conversion (62.6 ± 1.90%) on ½ MS medium supplemented with 4.92 μM indole-3-butyric acid and 6.0% sucrose (w/v). The highest frequency of secondary somatic embryogenesis (34.4 ± 0.82) was observed on ½ MS medium, supplemented with 133 μM FeSO4·7H2O, 74 μM ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid disodium dihydrate (disodium EDTA), and 15% polyethylene glycol-4000 (PEG-4000) after three weeks of subculture. Scanning electron microscopy observations also substantiated the development of primary and secondary somatic embryos from embryogenic calli. Start codon targeted polymorphism (SCoT) marker analysis of 214 somatic embryo-derived plantlets amplified 167 numbers of bands ranging from 230 to 2125 bp. The homogeneous banding pattern confirmed the genetic uniformity of this sample of somatic embryo-derived plantlets as compared with the donor plant. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: To synthesize copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles using a ecofriendly technique and evaluate their antimicrobial, antioxidant and photo-catalytic dye degradation potentials. Methods: A superficial method (solution combustion method) was employed for the synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles from an aqueous extract of Abutilon indicum. The CuO nanoparticles were characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopic techniques. The antimicrobial activity of the CuO nanoparticles was determined by agar well diffusion method, while their antioxidant properties were assessed by DPPH radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total antioxidant, ferric thiocyanate (FTC) and total phenolic content (TPC) assays. The photo-catalytic degradation activity of synthesized CuO nanoparticles was assessed by the degradation of Acid Black 210 (AB) dye under sunlight irradiation. Results: XRD, EDX and SEM results confirmed successful synthesis of CuO nanoparticles, with hexagonal, wurtzite and sponge crystal structure. Photo-catalytic data revealed that the nanoparticles are a good catalyst for effective degradation of Acid Black 210. The nanoparticles also exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity, with IC50 and FRAP values ranging from 40 ± 0.23 to 84 ± 0.32 μg/ml, and 0.65 ± 0.01 to 9.10 ± 0.21 Trolox equivalent/mL, respectively. Significant bactericidal activity was manifested by the CuO nanoparticles against Klebsiella and Bacillus subtilis with zone of inhibition of 14 ± 0.05 and 15 ± 0.11 mm, respectively. Conclusion: The synthesized CuO nanoparticles exhibit antibacterial and antioxidant potential, indicating that they are good candidates for future therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]