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The leaves of Citrus deliciosa Tenore were collected in southern Brazil, dried, and subjected to the hydrodistillation process to obtain the essential oil. The extraction of essential oil yielded 0.97% ± 0.04. The chromatographic profile of this compound revealed 11 substances, being methyl N-methyl-anthranilate (75.1%), γ-terpinene (13.8%), and Limonene (7%) as major substances. The essential oil shows antifungal action against all tested yeasts, with promising action against Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptococcus gattii, and Trichosporon asahii. This compound was also able to inhibit the biofilm production of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, and T. asahii. The essential oil of tangerine showed weak antioxidant action. It did not show cytotoxicity in human mononuclear cells. It is hoped that these results may guide future studies for the production of formulations that can be used in the treatment of biofilms caused by yeasts, as well as in candidiasis, cryptococcosis, and/or trichosporonosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve compounds, comprising of four new ones, 6β,7α-limondiol (1) and ethyl 19-hydroxyisoobacunoate diosphenol (2), N-benzoyl 3-prenyltyramine (9) and 9-O-methyl integrifoliodiol (12), were isolated from the twigs with leaves of Tetradium trichotomum. The structures were elucidated by analysis of MS, NMR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1, 6, 8, 9 and 12 exhibited immunosuppressive activities in vitro against the proliferation of ConA-induced T lymphocytes and LPS-induced B cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synephrine is widely found in Chinese herbs of the Rutaceae family and is commonly used as a primary substitute for ephedrine in sports supplements. However, its potential cardiotoxicity has necessitated governmental regulations regarding its use. This study determined the contents of synephrine, phenylephrine, and caffeine in 30 Chinese herbal preparations (including five single herbs) and 16 supplements promoted for weight loss. The presence of naturally occurring synephrine was detected in all Chinese herbal medicines, with immature bitter orange having the highest synephrine content (ranging from 233.1 to 505.3 mg/100 g). This was followed by three herbs with comparable amounts of up to 317.7 mg/100 g, namely bitter orange, red tangerine exocarp, and tangerine peel. Euodia fruit had the lowest synephrine content, measuring up to 4.9 mg/100 g. None of these herbal medicines were found to contain detectable phenylephrine. On the other hand, weight-loss supplements, comprising complex combinations of herbal extracts, were found to contain synephrine in concentrations up to 1159.0 mg/100 g and caffeine up to 1659.1 mg/100 g. The synephrine content of these products did not exceed the regulatory limit of six percent, nor did they surpass the respective daily consumption of 20 mg. However, one product was found to contain both synephrine and caffeine, albeit at low concentrations, which could potentially breach the regulation prohibiting the combined use of bitter orange and caffeine as food ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examining the host range of emerging invasive insects is essential to assess their invasion potential and to anticipate the negative impacts of their spread. The ongoing North American invasion of spotted lanternfly (SLF) [ Lycorma delicatula (White, 1845)] threatens agricultural, urban, and natural areas. The survival and development of SLF nymphs on Washington navel orange [ Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck (Sapindales: Rutaceae)] trees were assessed in a quarantine facility. Results indicated that SLF nymphs can develop to at least the third instar by feeding exclusively on Washington navel orange. This finding suggests that, at least up to the third stage of nymphal development, Washington navel orange might be a suitable host for SLF, highlighting the possibility that this invasive pest represents an unrecognized threat to this globally important crop and possibly to other Citrus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a drug and food homologous medicine, Citrus aurantium L. (C. aurantium) in the Rutaceae family, also known as sour orange or bitter orange, is a small citrus tree about five meters tall with scented white flowers. It has the efficacy of "regulating qi and broadening the stomach; appetizer and vomit-relieving; regulating qi and dredging the liver; invigorating; clearing heat; and detoxification." Furthermore, C. aurantium can be utilized in food applications such as tea, marmalade, preservatives, and flavorings, and in a wide range of medicinal applications, including treatments for insomnia, anticonvulsants, antidiabetics, antidepressants, anti-obesity, and gastroprotective drugs. To date, 203 compounds of C. aurantium have been identified, including terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Pharmacological studies have indicated that C. aurantium possesses antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anticancer, antidiabetic, antidepressant, gastroprotective, and hepatoprotective properties. The chemical composition, pharmacology, medicine, and food applications of C. aurantium are reviewed in this article to provide a basis for the subsequent development of food and medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several Persian lime trees were found to exhibit dieback and yellowing during monitoring of the intensity of Huanglongbing disease on a 6-year-old commercial Persian lime orchard in San Rafael, Veracruz, Mexico, between August and October 2022. During the examination of the trees, we discovered small holes on the bark of the main stem and lower branches, significant cracking of the bark, and beetles crawling on the surface. Removal of the bark on the crevices showed the presence of larvae and adults plausibly feeding from the inner bark tissue. Phloeonemus interruptus (Coleoptera: Zopheridae) adults were found. Although it is unknown whether P. interruptus will become invasive, this study confirmed that it is associated with Persian lime trees. Thus, this serves as a bellwether to warn of the potential direct damage or transmission of fungi or oomycetes, such as those in the genera Lasiodiplodia and Phytophthora. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the association of Phloeonemus interruptus with Persian lime (Citrus latifolia Tan. Rutaceae) in the central region of Veracruz, Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mitochondrial plastid DNAs (MTPTs) in seed plants were reported more than 40 years ago and exhibited a high diversity regarding gene content, quantity, and size. However, the mechanism that resulted in the current diversity of MTPTs in angiosperms has not been fully discovered. In this study, we sequenced and characterized the complete organelle genomes of Limonia acidissima L. a monotypic species of Rutaceae. The newly generated and previously published organelle genomes of 42 species were used to explore the diversity of MTPTs regarding quantity, gene content, size, and coverage of chloroplast genome (cpDNA) regions. The results showed that the number of MTPTs ranged from three to 74, of which the lengths were from 100 to 53,731 bp. The highest coverage of MTPTs was found in the inverted repeat region, whereas the small single repeat region had the lowest coverage. Based on the previous data and current results, we propose a scenario for the diversity of MTPTs in angiosperms. In the first stage, the whole cpDNA might migrate to the mitogenome. Then, different genomic events, such as duplication, deletion, substitution, and inversion, have occurred continuously and independently and resulted in extremely variable profiles of mitogenomes among angiosperms. Our hypothesis provides a new and possibly reliable scenario for explaining the present circumstances of MTPTs in angiosperms. However, more genomic data should be mined, and more studies should be conducted to clarify this natural phenomenon in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plants have long been recognized as having a wide range of biological properties, including antibacterial, analgesic, anticancer, antipyretic, and antihypertensive action. They are also a significant source of several chemicals with biological activity. The Rutaceae family consists of a shrub Atalantia monophylla. It is available all over India. The extracts from its leaves have been reported to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Aims and Objectives: The objectives of the study were to evaluate the extraction protein content and antimicrobial activity of A. monophyla protein extract. The objective of the present study is to isolate protein extract from the aqueous extract of A. monophyla and to screen for antimicrobial activity. Materials and Methods: The A. monophylla protein isolate was prepared from aqueous extract. The protein isolate was done using the ammonium sulfate method and quantified using Lowry's method. Agar disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration were used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the extract. Results: The Lowry's method revealed 5.73 mg/mL protein isolate. The microbiological studies revealed significant inhibitions of microbes. Conclusion: The AM protein extract has significant microbiological action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Glasnik Zastite Bilja is the property of Zadruzna Stampa D.D. 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.)

Sesquilignans PD is a natural phenylpropanoid compound that was isolated from Zanthoxylum nitidum var. tomentosum. In this study, we assessed the antitumor effect of PD on SK-Hep-1 and HepG2 cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The results revealed that PD markedly inhibited the proliferation and migration of both liver cancer cells. Moreover, PD induced apoptosis, autophagy, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in liver cancer cells. Notably, PD increased the protein levels of p-p38 MAPK and p-ERK1/2 in liver cancer cells. This is the first report on the anticancer effect of PD, which is mediated via increased ROS production and MAPK signaling activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substrate‐borne vibrations are ubiquitous in nature and are used by diverse taxa to communicate and to obtain information about their environments. However, substrate‐borne vibrations remain understudied compared with other sensory and signaling modalities, in part due to human sensory biases. In addition, understanding and quantifying the transmission of vibrations remains a challenging task due to it being dependent on both signal properties and properties of the substrates that the signals transmit through. Here, we provide methods for playing back and measuring the transmission of vibrations throughout a substrate. Using linear resonant actuators, we conducted playbacks of pure tones and frequency sweeps on wooden dowels and on the stems of potted Ptelea trifoliata L. (Rutaceae) plants. We used scanning laser Doppler vibrometry to measure the signals at multiple locations along the length of the dowels and plant stems. We demonstrate that playback of a frequency sweep yields more data in a shorter amount of time than multiple playbacks and measurements of pure tone signals. Our results are also consistent with previous findings showing that signals produce frequency and location specific minima and maxima (nodes and antinodes) throughout the substrates, rather than simply attenuating with distance. This results in filtering of signals, such that their spectra are unique at any given measurement location—illustrating the importance of measuring vibrations at multiple locations. We discuss the implications of such filtering phenomena for vibrationally signaling animals and the biotremologists that study them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetradium, a genus within Rutaceae, comprises nine species found in Eastern and Southeastern Asia, distinguished by their opposite pinnate leaves and apocarpous or subapocarpous gynoecium with follicular fruits. While Hartley's 1981 monograph provided foundational insights, a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the genus is lacking. Using next‐generation sequencing (NGS), this study aims to (i) establish an NGS molecular data set for Tetradium, (ii) elucidate interspecific relationships via the hybrid capture method and (iii) investigate the taxonomic status of Euodia meliifolia var. celebica. Our data set comprised 28 samples across nine species, sequenced using Illumina Miseq and Hiseq 4000 platforms, with downstream analyses conducted using the HybPhyloMaker pipeline and ASTRAL. Our findings revealed five main groups supported by both molecular and morphological data, highlighting changes in ovule number and seed functionality. Notably, the hybrid capture method proved invaluable for studying old herbarium specimens. Finally, taxonomic revisions were proposed, including the reclassification of E. meliifolia var. celebica as Tetradium celebicum, the fossil Euodia costata as Tetradium costatum, and the fossil Euodia lignata as Tetradium lignatum. An updated description for T. celebicum, supplemented by a specific identification key, is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The order Sapindales is comprised of nine families and in Brazil it is represented by six, including Rutaceae Juss., which constitutes the largest group of this order. A variety of species of Zanthoxylum L. are distributed throughout the country, and among them is the species Zanthoxylum kleinii (R.S. Cowan) P.G. Waterman, which is found in the states of Brazil. This study aimed to characterize the morphoanatomy of the leaf, petiole, rachis, and stem of the species Z. kleinii. Histochemical tests were performed, and the sections were visualized under optical and scanning electron microscopy. The analysis showed that the morphoanatomical characteristics of the species are: hypoestomatic leaflets; stomata classified as anomocytic, tetracytic, and anisocytic; dorsiventral mesophyll; cavities that produce a secretion of lipid nature, present in the leaflet, rachis, and petiole; colleters distributed in the leaf; presence of simple non‐glandular trichomes in all structures; and prismatic crystals in the petiole. Histochemical tests indicated the presence of phenolic and lipophilic compounds, mucilage, and lignin. With the result of this research, it was possible to identify the nature of the compounds secreted by the secretory structures of the leaves; in addition, the morphoanatomical characterization of Z. kleinii can provide relevant data for future studies for other organs of the species not yet described. Furthermore, contributing concomitantly with data for the genus, in this way, supporting to differentiate them. Research Highlights: Ultrastructural features observed by microscopic techniques.Calcium oxalate crystals present in the rachis.Microchemical tests confirmed the presence of colleters in the leaflet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new phenylpropanoic acid congener, 2R-(5'-methoxy) pandanusphenol B (1), along with 26 known isolates, were isolated from Zanthoxylum nitidum. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data and circular dichroism analyses. All compounds, except 4, 7-10, 15, 17, 19 and 25, were reported from Z. nitidum for the first time. Among them, 16 compounds (1–3, 5–6, 12–14, 16, 20–24 and 26–27) were discovered from genus Zanthoxylum for the first time, while 15 compounds (1–3, 5–6, 12–14, 20–24 and 26–27) were isolated from the Rutaceae family for the first time. All isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against five human cancer cell lines and the results showed that compound 27 exhibited significant cytotoxicity toward HepG2 and T24, with IC50 values of 2.49 and 7.0 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zieria buxijugum , Z. formosa , and Z. parrisiae are three closely related, Critically Endangered species of questionable taxonomic validity that occur within six kilometres of each other on the south coast of New South Wales, Australia. We investigated genetic relationships and diversity of these species, along with two related but taxonomically distinct congeners, Z. granulata and Z. tuberculata , and a possible undescribed taxon, Z. aff. tuberculata. Double-digest restriction-site associated sequencing (ddRADseq) was used to generate anonymous genomic loci that were used for phylogenetic, network, and genetic structure analyses, and for estimating genetic diversity of the threatened species. Our results support the current taxonomic status of Z. buxijugum , Z. formosa , and Z. parrisiae , and suggest that Z. aff. tuberculata warrants recognition as a distinct species. We detected no evidence of inbreeding in the three Critically Endangered species, and found their genetic diversity to be similar to that of the more widespread species Z. granulata and Z. tuberculata. Comparison of plant material held in ex situ collections at the Australian National Botanic Gardens with wild plants highlighted several genotypes of the Critically Endangered species that are not represented in the ex situ collection, and we provide suggestions for the future inclusion of those unrepresented genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species Citrus hongheensis is an endangered species and the most primitive Citrus species with the most developed winged leaves. It is endemic to south Yunnan Province, southwest China, and only distributed in a very narrow area along the south bank of the Honghe river (the Yuanjiang river). By combining ISSR and morphological data from 11 populations, it shows that the species has rich genetic diversity among and within populations although the population is declining gradually. According to field and market surveys, the local Hani people have traditionally used C. hongheensis for a long time, such as the dried young fruits of the species as Chinese traditional medicine, leaves as food spice, as well as other organs. By collecting all existing knowledge of traditional and present uses, as well as further potential uses, we demonstrate that the species has good development prospects. Based on rich diversity, ethnobotanical uses, and a positive cultural environment, it was decided to choose four populations (YJNNDM, LCDX, HHDYJ, and YJYJYJ) of C. hongheensis for in situ conservation and artificial sexual reproduction. This will allow to develop new uses of the species, while providing indications for the conservation of other endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conservation of threatened exceptional plants, which cannot be conserved by seed banking, requires in vitro technologies for many of the approaches needed for their long-term ex situ conservation. This study evaluated the current in vitro plant literature, as represented in Web of Science, to determine its taxonomic overlap with the families and genera of the 775 species currently listed as exceptional. Web of Science was searched using the terms micropropagation, somatic embryogenesis, zygotic embryo, and cryopreservation, and the target genera and families were identified in the more than 19,000 articles evaluated. There were five families with significant overlap between the in vitro literature and exceptional species: Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Orchidaceae, Arecaceae, and Rutaceae. However, there was less overlap at the level of genus, with Citrus, Coffea, and Quercus having the most articles. Significant gaps were also found, with 14 exceptional families and half of the exceptional genera having no representation in the Web of Science search results. The 20 exceptional species with the most articles were all economically important species, and these had 343 threatened congeners that could be prioritized for research. A highly important group of exceptional plants that was significantly under-represented in the literature was tropical woody species, which form the backbone of the diversity of the world's threatened rainforests. Overall, there are areas of strength upon which to build future work, but significant gaps where research should be prioritized for effectively conserving exceptional plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zanthoxylum simulans Hance, commonly known as Sichuan pepper, is a well-known medicinal plant recognized for its potential as a source of bioactive specialized metabolites. As part of our interest in natural antifungal compounds, the present study describes the discovery of an unreported N-alcoxycarbonylbenzo[c]phenanthridinium salt, N-methoxycarbonyl-9,12-dimethoxy-norchelerythrine 1 (a type-III benzo[c]phenanthridine), isolated from Z. simulans seedlings, which were propagated under controlled greenhouse conditions. Six-month seedlings were harvested and subjected to cold acid–base extraction. Chromatographic techniques achieved the isolation of 1 from raw alkaloid extract. The structural elucidation of 1 was accomplished through comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, including nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Fusarium oxysporum, a fungal pathogen responsible for substantial agricultural losses, was exposed to different concentrations of the novel compound, exhibiting potent antifungal efficacy (IC50 < 3 µM) and fungicide effects. These findings highlight the potential of benzophenanthridines as antifungal leads and underscore the importance of exploring natural products for agricultural applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study successfully synthesized nano-SiO2 and Nd2O3 materials applying as fertilizers for growth of the Paramignya trimera (Oliv.) Guill. (Rutaceae), a well-known medicinal plant in Vietnam and Thailand for treatment of numerous cancers. The cultivation results indicated that the individual uses of nano-SiO2 and Nd2O3, respectively, induced stem and root growth of the P. trimera. Therefore, applications of nano-Nd2O3 and SiO2 mixture exhibited synergic effects to greatly enhance stem and root growth of the P. trimera. The plant height, root length, stem and root weight of the mixture Nd2O3 and SiO2 exposed plant were greatly higher than those of the individual nano-material exposed plants. The extraction experiments indicated that ostruthin, a valuable medicinal substance, accumulated in the roots of the P. trimera rather than in its stems. The ostruthin content in the root of the Nd2O3 exposed P. trimera was also greatly higher than those in the control and SiO2-exposed plants. This indicated that the Nd2O3 nano-materials not only induced root growth but also aided the accumulation of ostruthin in the roots of the P. trimera. This open new era on combination application of nano-SiO2 and Nd2O3 for growth of the P. Trimera as well as other medicinal plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common household mosquitoes are a major public nuisance, and mosquito-borne diseases are the greatest threat to public health. In the current situation, it would be ideal to control mosquito populations without harming the environment. The present study aims to evaluate the mosquitocidal efficacy of fractions and the active principle niloticin isolated from the leaves of Limonia acidissima Linn. against the life stages of Culex quinquefasciatus Say mosquitoes. The concentrations used to screen the fractions were 10.0, 7.5, 5.0, and 2.5 ppm and the active compound niloticin was tested at concentrations of 2.0, 1.5, 1.0, and 0.5 ppm on the larval (L3) and pupal stages of Cx. quinquefasciatus. The results showed that fraction-8 recorded the highest mosquitocidal activity, and the lethality results (LC50) after 24 hours were 3.44 ppm for larvae and 5.14 ppm for pupae of Cx. quinquefasciatus, respectively. Similarly, LC50 of niloticin at 24 hours were 0.42 ppm for larvae and 0.51 ppm for pupae of Cx. quinquefasciatus, respectively. In addition, at a concentration of 2.0 ppm, niloticin showed an ovicidal activity of 94.4% and a deterrent effect on oviposition of 100% and exhibited considerable growth disruption. In conclusion, the results indicate that niloticin can be used for vector mosquito control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Chloroplast genomes, pivotal for understanding plant evolution, remain unexplored in Rutaceae, a family with key perennial crops like citrus. Leveraging next-generation sequencing data from 509 Rutaceae accessions across 15 species, we conducted a de novo assembly of 343 chloroplast genomes, unveiling a chloroplast variation map highlighting the heterogeneous evolution rates across genome regions. Notably, differences in chloroplast genome size primarily originate from large single-copy and small single-copy regions. Structural variants predominantly occurred in the single-copy region, with two insertions located at the single-copy and inverted repeat region boundary. Phylogenetic analysis, principal component analysis, and population genetic statistics confirmed the cohesive clustering of different Citrus species, reflecting evolutionary dynamics in Citrus diversification. Furthermore, a close chloroplast genetic affinity was revealed among Atalantia (previously regarded as primitive citrus), Clausena, and Murraya. Zanthoxylum formed a distinct group with heightened genetic diversity. Through expanding our analysis to include 34 published chloroplast genomes, we explored chloroplast gene selection, revealing divergent evolutionary trends in photosynthetic pathways. While Photosystem I and Photosystem II exhibited robust negative selection, indicating stability, the Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) dehydrogenase pathway demonstrated rapid evolution, which was indicative of environmental adaptation. Finally, we discussed the effects of gene length and GC content on chloroplast gene evolution. In conclusion, our study reveals the genetic characterization of chloroplast genomes during Rutaceae diversification, providing insights into the evolutionary history of this family.

The Rutaceae family is one of the most studied plant families due to the large number of alkaloids isolated from them with outstanding biological properties, among them the quinoline-based alkaloids Graveoline 1 and Dubamine 2. The most common methods for the synthesis of alkaloids 1 and 2 and their derivatives involves cycloaddition reactions or metal-catalyzed coupling processes but with some limitations in scope and functionalization of the quinoline moiety. As a continuation of our current studies on the synthesis and chemical transformation of 2-aminochalcones, we are reporting here an efficient metal-free approach for the total synthesis of alkaloids 1 and 2 along with their analogues with structural diversity, through a two-step sequence involving intramolecular cyclization, oxidation/aromatization, N-methylation and oxidative C-C bond processes, starting from dihydroquinolin-4-ones as common precursors for the construction of the structures of both classes of alkaloids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Applied Entomology is the property of Chinese Journal of Applied Entomology, Editorial Department 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.)

Phytochemical profiling followed by antimicrobial and anthelmintic activity evaluation of the Australian plant Geijera parviflora, known for its customary use in Indigenous Australian ceremonies and bush medicine, was performed. In the present study, seven previously reported compounds were isolated including auraptene, 6′-dehydromarmin, geiparvarin, marmin acetonide, flindersine, and two flindersine derivatives from the bark and leaves, together with a new compound, chlorogeiparvarin, formed as an artefact during the isolation procedure and isolated as a mixture with geiparvarin. Chemical profiling allowed for a qualitative and quantitative comparison of the compounds in the leaves, bark, flowers, and fruit of this plant. Subsequently, a subset of these compounds as well as crude extracts from the plant were evaluated for their antimicrobial and anthelmintic activities. Anthelmintic activity assays showed that two of the isolated compounds, auraptene and flindersine, as well as the dichloromethane and methanol crude extracts of G. parviflora, displayed significant activity against a parasitic nematode (Haemonchus contortus). This is the first report of the anthelmintic activity associated with these compounds and indicates the importance of such fundamental explorations for the discovery of bioactive phytochemicals for therapeutic application(s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zanthoxylum ailanthoides is a deciduous tree, with important medicinal and economic values. The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Z. ailanthoides was assembled and the phylogenetic relationship to other species was inferred in this study. The chloroplast genome is 157,209 bp in length, including two inverted repeats of 26,408 bp, a large single-copy of 86,099 bp and a small single copy of 18,294 bp. Moreover, the chloroplast genome contains 129 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The overall GC content of the chloroplast genome is 38.4%. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that Z. ailanthoides was grouped with a clade containing the species of Z. multijugum, Z. calcicola, Z. oxyphyllum, Z. stenophyllum, and the genus was closely related to Phellodendron. This study contributes to a better understanding of the phylogenetic relationships among Zanthoxylum species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although nanoparticles have gained attention as efficient alternatives to conventional agricultural chemicals, there is limited knowledge regarding their effects on herbivorous insect behavior and plant physicochemistry. Here, we investigated the effects of foliar applications of nano-silica (SiO2NPs) and nano-selenium (SeNPs), and bulk-size silica (SiO2) on the choice behavior of the arrowhead scale insect on mandarin orange plants. One leaf of a bifoliate pair was treated with one of the three chemicals, while the other was treated with water (control). The respective SiO2, SeO2, calcium (Ca), and carbon (C) content levels in the leaf epidermis and mesophyll were quantified using SEM–EDX (or SEM–EDS); leaf toughness and the arrowhead scale density and body size were measured. First-instar nymphs preferred silica-treated leaves and avoided SeNP-treated leaves. SiO2 content did not differ between control and SiO2NP-treated leaves, but was higher in bulk-size SiO2-treated leaves. The SiO2 level in the control leaves was higher in the SiO2NP treatment compared with that in the control leaves in the bulk-size SiO2 treatment. Silica-treated leaves increased in toughness, but SeNP-treated leaves did not; leaf toughness increased with mesophyllic SiO2 content. The insect density per leaf increased with leaf toughness, SiO2 content and, in the SiO2NP treatment, with epidermal C content. There was no correlation between SeO2 content and insect density. This study highlights the potential uses of SeNPs as an insect deterrent and of silica for enhancing leaf toughness and attracting scale insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood-apple (Limonia acidissima L., Rutaceae) is an underutilized fruit tree species in the Indian subcontinent. The edible fruit and other parts of the wood-apple tree have immense medicinal and nutritional properties. In this study, we used 24 polymorphic simple sequence repeats (SSRs), developed de novo through RNA sequencing, to estimate the genetic diversity and population structure in 96 wood-apple samples collected from 16 states of India. We identified 11,401 SSRs from 215,859 unigenes. The dinucleotide repeat motifs were the most abundant SSRs (56.89%), followed by trinucleotide (37.61%) and tetranucleotide repeats (3.63%). SSR profiling detected 129 alleles, with an average of 5.37 per locus and an average PIC value of 0.62. The Jaccard's genetic dissimilarity among 96 samples ranged from 0.39 to 1.0 (average 0.94 ± 0.03). Cluster analyses by Neighbour-joining (NJ) and principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) grouped all samples into three clusters. The Bayesian model-based structure analysis also identified three subpopulations. Population genetic analysis showed moderate gene diversity (0.226 ± 0.007) and Shannon's information index (0.369 ± 0.009) in the species. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed higher genetic variance within the populations than among populations, while the FST statistics (0.134, p < 0.010) indicated low but significant genetic differentiation. The overall results indicated moderate to high genetic diversity among wood-apple samples. This study identified 14 diverse samples and nine highly informative SSRs that could be useful for developing breeding programs to improve the species and conserve its genetic resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant mediated green synthetic route for silver and gold nanoparticles (AgNPs & AuNPs) from four plant families: Phyllanthaceae, Lamiaceae, Rutaceae and Euphorbiaceae and their therapeutic application of are summarized in the present review article. Silver and gold nanoparticles prepared from the mentioned plant families were visualized with various therapeutic applications viz., anti-microbial, ant-bacterial, anti-cancer and anti-oxidant activities etc. Owing to size and shapes, NPs green synthesized from various plants like Ricinus communis (Ag), Tectona grandis (Ag), Plectranthus amboinicus (Ag, Au), Phyllanthus emblica (Ag, Au), Ricinu communis (Ag), Leucas aspera (Ag, Au), Acalypha indica Linn. (Ag, Au) were envisioned with innumerable curative applications such as antimicrobial, anticancer, antibacterial, anti-oxidant, cytotoxicity, haemolytic and stimulating effect etc. In the current review, eco-friendly green synthetic itineraries for synthesis of AgNPs and AuNPs are mainly focused. Phyto-components present in plants such as anti-oxidant molecules, terpenes, alkaloids, coumarins like quercetin, d -allose, 1-valine, ocosenamide molecules etc. are the responsible reducing agents for the capping reaction (Ag+ to Ag0 and Au3+ to Au0) of nanoparticle from metal precursors like AgNO 3 and HAuCl 4. [Display omitted] • Bio-synthesis of AgNPs and AuNPs from four plant families: Phyllanthaceae, Lamiaceae, Rutaceae and Euphorbiaceae are summarized. • AgNPs and AuNPs green synthesized from plants belonging to Phyllanthaceae, Lamiaceae, Rutaceae and Euphorbiaceae families contain various medicinal applications like antimicrobial, anticancer, antibacterial, anti-oxidant, cytotoxicity etc. • Phyto-compounds present in plants are responsible for capping reaction of nano-particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Euodia genus comprises numerous untapped medicinal plants that warrant thorough evaluation for their potential as valuable natural sources of herbal medicine or food flavorings. In this study, untargeted metabolomics and in vitro functional methods were employed to analyze fruit extracts from 11 significant species of the Euodia genus. An investigation of the distribution of metabolites (quinolone and indole quinazoline alkaloids) in these species indicated that E. rutaecarpa (Euodia rutaecarpa) was the most widely distributed species, followed by E. compacta (Euodia compacta), E. glabrifolia (Euodia glabrifolia), E. austrosinensis (Euodia austrosinensis), and E. fargesii (Euodia fargesii). There have been reports on the close correlation between indole quinazoline alkaloids and their anti-tumor activity, especially in E. rutaecarpa fruits which exhibit effectiveness against various types of cancer, such as SGC-7901, Hela, A549, and other cancer cell lines. Additionally, the E. rutaecarpa plant contains indole quinazoline alkaloids, which possess remarkable antibacterial properties. Our results offer novel insights into the utilization of Euodia resources in the pharmaceutical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eriostemon–Phebalium clade (Rutaceae) includes c. 200 species across 16 genera, and is distributed in Australia (including Tasmania), New Caledonia, New Hebrides, New Zealand, and New Guinea. Phylogenetic analyses based on DNA sequences have consistently shown that the Eriostemon – Phebalium group is robustly monophyletic. However, despite this, taxonomy within the group is still uncertain: relationships between the genera are not well understood, and the genus Philotheca is polyphyletic. Seed morphological characters can be useful in taxonomy in angiosperms, and in this study, 21 seed morphological characters for 29 taxa of all the 16 genera circumscribed in the Eriostemon – Phebalium clade were examined using stereo and scanning electron microscopy. Seed morphological traits such as testa type and hilum were informative for some of the robustly supported clades in molecular phylogenetic studies, and a combination of seed characters could be useful for species identification. This study highlights the potential of seed morphological traits for the systematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zanthoxylum simulans Hance, commonly known as Sichuan pepper, is a well-known medicinal plant recognized for its potential as a source of bioactive specialized metabolites. As part of our interest in natural antifungal compounds, the present study describes the discovery of an unreported N-alcoxycarbonylbenzo[c]phenanthridinium salt, N-methoxycarbonyl-9,12-dimethoxy-norchelerythrine 1 (a type-III benzo[c]phenanthridine), isolated from Z. simulans seedlings, which were propagated under controlled greenhouse conditions. Six-month seedlings were harvested and subjected to cold acid–base extraction. Chromatographic techniques achieved the isolation of 1 from raw alkaloid extract. The structural elucidation of 1 was accomplished through comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, including nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Fusarium oxysporum, a fungal pathogen responsible for substantial agricultural losses, was exposed to different concentrations of the novel compound, exhibiting potent antifungal efficacy (IC50 < 3 µM) and fungicide effects. These findings highlight the potential of benzophenanthridines as antifungal leads and underscore the importance of exploring natural products for agricultural applications.

Ugandan Vepris trichocarpa sampled for this study yielded two undescribed acridone alkaloids here named trichouganda A (1), a 2‑methoxy derivative of evoxanthine (2), and trichouganda B (4), a 6‑methoxy derivative of 1,3,5-trimethoxy-10-methyl acridone. In addition, the known tecleanthine (3), tecleanone (5), and 1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-propanetriol (6) were identified from the plant.

The genus Synedrus Graham, 1956 is recorded from India for the first time. The male of Synedrus kasparyani Tselikh, 2013 is described. Additional characters and images of female are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, leaf micromorphological features of 42 accessions of 12 species of the genus Citrus were assessed through light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, to evaluate phylogenetically significant characters that delineate species. Morphometrical analyses were carried out using the leaf anatomical and micromorphological characters of at least five samples collected from different localities. Some leaflet anatomical traits (cuticle ornamentation, cyclocytic and tetracytic stomata, isobilateral mesophyll arrangement, number of palisade layers, shape of the midrib, sheath around vascular tissue) clearly support various clades defined by previous DNA-based phylogenetic work. Anatomical features of C. limetta and C. aurantifolia were identical, thus supporting the synonimisation of these two species. Leaf anatomy and morphology in the studied taxa reveal many characters high value for infrageneric classification of Citrus. This work provides useful background for further molecular and anatomical studies of Citrus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study assesses the antiprotozoal and antioxidant activities of ethanolic extracts from Pilocarpus alvaradoi leaves and bark. Antioxidant activity is measured by using DPPH•, ABTS•+, and FRAP. Antiprotozoal activity in vitro is tested against Leishmania (V.) panamensis, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Plasmodium falciparum parasites. Cytotoxicity is examined against U937 cells. Compound identification is obtained by NMR spectroscopy. As a result three compounds are identified: sesamin, scopoletin, and bergapten. Bark ethanolic extracts and its subextract in ethyl acetate show antioxidant activity of 13.5 and 19.5 mg/L (ABTS•+), 17.4 and 21.1 mg/L (DPPH•), and 52.0 and 51.5 mg/L (FRAP) respectively. Bark ethanolic extracts also display moderate leishmanicidal, antiplasmodial, and trypanocidal activity with EC50 values of 47.90, 28.05, and 49.06 µg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, the compounds obtained from P. alvaradoi are reported for the first time for this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geijera Schott is a plant genus of the Rutaceae Juss. (rue and citrus) family, comprising six species which are all native to Oceania. Of the plants belonging to this genus, the most significant species that has a customary use is Geijera parviflora, which was used by Indigenous Australians, primarily as a pain reliever. Herein, a comprehensive review of the literature published on the genus Geijera from 1930 to 2023 was conducted. This is the first review for this plant genus, and it highlights the chemical constituents reported to date, together with the range of pharmacological properties described from the various species and different parts of the plant. These properties include anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-parasitic, insect repellent, analgesic, neuroactive, and anti-cancer activities. Finally, a reflection on some of the important areas for future focused studies of this plant genus is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study examined the correlation between the prevalence of Xanthomonas axonopodis L. and flavonoid content in the leaves and pulp of various citrus cultivars (both healthy and Xac-infected) across different regions of Pakistan. The study considered environmental factors such as temperature (°C), relative humidity (%), total precipitation (mm), and wind speed (km/h). Flavonoid levels were quantified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis revealed the presence of 12 different flavonoids in the citrus cultivars. The concentrations of these flavonoids were found to be lower in Xac-infected plants compared to healthy ones. Additionally, the amounts of each flavonoid varied under different climatic conditions. The findings of this study could be utilized to promote the commercialization of citrus varieties that are either resistant to Xac infection or possess high flavonoid content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop and validate an alternative, selective, reproducible, and high-yield extraction-based method by ultrasound-assisted technique combined with an effective, specific, sensitive, and rapid analytical HPLC procedure for obtaining hesperidin from mandarin (Citrus unshiu) peel as waste material in citrus processing industries and its quantitative determination in the obtained extracted product and citrus waste materials as well. The evaluation of the uncertainty of the developed method is also described in the present work. The proposed method is focused not only on obtaining hesperidin but also provides the possibility for obtaining other valuable bioactive compounds within the single stepwise extraction process. The proposed method was validated concerning the following validation parameters: robustness, system suitability test, specificity, linearity range, precision, accuracy, sensitivity, limits of quantification (LOQ), and detection (LOD). A design of experiments using the Placket-Burman approach was used for the robustness study of the combined method. The measurement uncertainty of the proposed method was evaluated based on the four-step process using a combination of two appropriate - bottom-up and top-down approaches using the method validation data. The LOD and LOQ of the analytical procedure were 0.00001 mg/mL and 0.000025 mg/mL, respectively. The calibration curve (0.000025-0.5 mg/mL) is linear and the square of the correlation coefficient is equal to 0.99992. The determined average amount of hesperidin in the dry citrus peel samples is equal to 35.36 ± 3.14 mg/g (k=2, 95 % level of confidence). The mean recovery of the combined method is 91.48 %. The purity of the dry-extracted product of hesperidin is not less than 90 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama) (Hemiptera: Liviidae), vector of huanglongbing, is uncontrolled in urban and unmanaged citrus refugia, from where psyllids can infest commercial groves. Attract-and-kill devices (AKDs) may be a practical tool for controlling D. citri in these areas. We tested 2 AKDs, the yellow perforated cylinder AKD and the black screen AKD in which the killing agents (yellow sticky card traps) were placed inside the devices to prevent contact by non-target organisms. Experiments were conducted in laboratory cage bioassays and in an orange jasmine (Murraya paniculata; Rutaceae) hedge. Two scent attractant mixtures (myrcene, gamma-terpinene, and acetic acid; acetic and formic acid) were sprayed onto the yellow sticky card traps as a means of increasing the attractiveness of the AKDs. Despite promising results in laboratory assays, neither scent increased psyllid capture in the AKDs under field conditions. Enlarging the diameter of the entry holes (from 6 to 20 mm) in the yellow perforated cylinder AKD increased psyllid capture but also permitted entry by small reptiles. Unscented black screen AKDs caught over twice as many psyllids as unscented yellow perforated cylinder AKDs, but still caught juvenile reptiles. These AKDs were highly effective in tracking psyllid populations in the hedge. Once adjustments to reduce non-target captures are made, these AKDs should be more acceptable to homeowners and consumers than current insecticidal controls. This acceptance, in turn, could make them a valuable and sustainable tool for area wide management strategies aimed at reducing the spread of huanglongbing. El psílido asiático de los cítricos, Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama) (Hemiptera: Liviidae), un vector del huanglongbing, no está controlado en refugios de cítricos urbanos y en huertos no gestionados, desde donde los psílidos pueden infestar plantaciones comerciales. Los dispositivos para atraer y matar (AKD) pueden ser una herramienta práctica para controlar D. citri en estas áreas. Probamos 2 AKD, un AKD con cilindro perforado amarillo y un AKD con pantalla negra en el que los agentes letales (trampas de tarjetas adhesivas amarillas) se colocaron dentro de los dispositivos para evitar el contacto con organismos que no son objetivo. Se realizaron los experimentos en bioensayos de laboratorio en jaulas y en un cerco de jazmín naranja (Murraya paniculata; Rutaceae). Se rociaron dos mezclas de atrayentes aromáticos (mirceno, gamma-terpineno y ácido acético; ácido acético y fórmico) sobre las trampas de tarjetas adhesivas amarillas como una forma de aumentar el atractivo de los AKD. A pesar de los resultados prometedores en los ensayos de laboratorio, ninguno de los olores aumentó la captura de psílidos en los AKD en condiciones de campo. Al ampliar el diámetro de los orificios de entrada (de 6 a 20 mm) en el cilindro perforado amarillo AKD aumentó la captura de psílidos pero también permitió la entrada de pequeños reptiles. Los AKD de pantalla negra sin olores capturaron más del doble de psílidos que el cilindro perforado amarillo AKD sin olores, pero aun así capturaron reptiles juveniles. Estos AKD fueron muy eficaces para rastrear las poblaciones de psílidos en el cerco de jazmín naranja. Una vez que se realicen ajustes para reducir las capturas no objetivo, estos AKD deberían ser más aceptables para los propietarios y consumidores que los controles insecticidas actuales. Esta aceptación, a su vez, podría convertirlos en una herramienta valiosa y sostenible para estrategias de manejo de toda la zona destinadas a reducir la propagación del huanglongbing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus aurantium L (Rutaceae) (Au) and Citrus reticulata Blanco (Rutaceae) (Ci) are commonly used as couplet prokinetics and Bupleurum chinense DC. (Umbelliferae) (Bup) is an herbal antidepressant in traditional Chinese medicine. This study evaluates the synergistic prokinetic effects of Bup with Au and Ci in mice suffering from multistress-induced delayed gastric emptying (DGE). Kunming mice were divided into four groups: control, DGE, AuCi and AuCiBup. Mice were gavaged with AuCi (14.25 g/kg) or AuCiBup (22.13 g/kg) extract for 12 days. Gastric reminder rate, intestinal driving ratio, sucrose preference and open field test were examined, and serotonin (5-HT), motilin (MTL), substance P (SP), 5-HT4R and c-kit were assayed. Intracellular Ca2+ levels in primary cultured gastric smooth muscle cells (GSMCs) were determined. Both AuCi and AuCiBup treatment significantly reduced gastric residual rate (39.5% and 67.7%, p < 0.01). Higher serum levels of 5-HT, MTL and SP were observed in treatment groups (AuCi: 0.060 mg/L, AuCiBup: 0.089 mg/L, DGE: 0.025 mg/L, p < 0.01). The expression of 5-HT4R and c-kit in the antrum and duodenum was upregulated after treatment (AuCi and AuCiBup, 4.3-times, 2.8-times to DGE, p < 0.01). Medicated serums of AuCi and AuCiBup effectively increased the influx of Ca2+ into GSMCs in vitro (1.8-times, p < 0.01). In terms of 5-HT4R expression, circulatory contents of 5-HT and SP and Ca2+ influx, AuCiBup demonstrated better prokinetic effects than AuCi. These findings indicate the potential for developing combination therapy with antidepressants and prokinetics in gastrointestinal dysmotility management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Butterflies are among the most important biodiversity components within the ecosystem. They are pollinators of both wild plants and agricultural crops. Swallowtail butterfly, Papilio nireus is a common species with a wide range of distribution in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya, it's commonly found in Taita hills on diverse species of forest trees and shrubs amongst them, wild citrus (Rutaceae), Clausena anisata and Toddalia asiatica. Little information on the larval ecology and development on its host plants makes species management and conservation difficult. This study, therefore, analyzed larval ecology and development of P. nireus on two host plants, C. anisata and T. asiatica in captivity in Ngangao forest, Taita Hills for two seasons from February to July 2021. Egg incubation period was significantly longer on T. asiatica than on C. anisata. Similarly, the total larval period was significantly higher on T. asiatica than on C. anisata. The development period from egg to adult was shorter on C. anisata (60.26 days in the 1st season, 63.15 days in the 2nd season) than on T. asiatica (66.44 days during the 1st season, 69.01 days in the 2nd season). However, the sex ratio and larval weight of P. nireus varied with season and the rearing host plant. The 1st season population had a sex ratio that was female-biased on both C. anisata and T. asiatica while in the 2nd season, sex ratio on C. anisata was male-biased and that of T. asiatica female-biased. In the 1st season, fourth larval instar weight was higher on T. asiatica (142.50 mg) than on C. anisata (88.70 mg) while in the 2nd season, the weight was higher on T. asiatica than on C. anisata from the second instar to the fifth instar. Findings from this study showed that the larval period and development of P. nireus was shorter on C. anisata than on T. asiatica. Therefore, the study revealed that both C. anisata and T. asiatica were host plants for this butterfly species but C. anisata was the most suitable host plant in the area of study. The study recommends conservation of both host plants for the species survival within its habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zanthoxylum bungeanum (family Rutaceae) is an economically important deciduous shrub that is widely distributed across Asia. The leaves of this plant are rich in chemical compounds and have a variety of biological activities. However, a spot disease was discovered on Z. bungeanum leaves in Zunyi, China, in 2020. In the present study, a fungal isolate (YY-815) was obtained from Z. bungeanum leaves with leaf spot symptoms and identified as Didymella segeticola based on its morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis. This isolate could cause leaf spot disease and be re-isolated, fulfilling Koch's postulates. The fungicides boscalid, penthiopyrad and pydiflumetofen significantly inhibited hyphal growth of D. segeticola under in vitro conditions. This is the first study to report a leaf spot disease on Z. bungeanum caused by D. segeticola. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huanglongbing (HLB), caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CaLas), is the most destructive citrus disease in the world. Although increasing data show that some citrus and relatives are tolerant to HLB, the underlying mechanisms of resistance are still not well understood. Here, the characteristics of the responses of Jincheng orange (JC, Citrus sinensis Osbeck), kaffir lime (KL, Citrus hystrix), and orange jasmine (OJ, Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack) to CaLas were compared by grafting inoculation. A two-year study on resistance indicated that OJ had the strongest resistance to HLB, which displayed very low CaLas titers and no greening symptoms compared with JC and KL. A study of hormones indicated that salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and gibberellin (GA) played pivotal roles in regulating the resistance of citrus to HLB and the development of symptoms. In particular, the basal level of SA correlated with the resistance to HLB in citrus, but the increase in SA owing to pathogens hampered plant resistance. An RNA-Seq analysis revealed that OJ displayed an overall homeostasis in its transcriptomic levels, while the transcriptional activities of JC and KL significantly increased during infection with CaLas. A MapMan analysis further showed that biotic stress-related functions and pathways were significantly upregulated by CaLas in OJ compared with JC and KL. CaLas significantly enhanced phloem hyperplasia and the transcriptional activities of the development of phloem in JC and KL. Callose deposition in the sieve elements and the transcriptional activities in JC and KL induced by CaLas were significantly stronger than those of OJ. In summary, this study shed light on the mechanisms of resistance in citrus in response to HLB and provides potential avenues to improve the resistance of citrus to HLB in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa 1800, a plant belonging to the Rutaceae family, is extensively used in Tibetan medicine. We employed Illumina HiSeq reads to assemble the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of A. marmelos, which spans 144,538 bp. The genome comprises 114 genes, including 75 protein-coding genes, 31 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. It is characterized by four regions: The large single-copy (LSC) region (74,253 bp), the inverted repeat A (IRa) region (26,015 bp), the small single-copy (SSC) region (18,255 bp), and the inverted repeat B (IRb) region (26,015 bp). Phylogenomic analysis demonstrated a close relationship between A. marmelos and Citrus. The assembly of The cp genome in this study serves as a foundation for conservation efforts and phylogenetic investigations of A. marmelos, paving the way for future experimentation.