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PloS One 2024Saffron, the "golden spice" derived from Crocus sativus L., is renowned for its richness in secondary metabolites such as crocin and safranal, contributing to its unique...
Saffron, the "golden spice" derived from Crocus sativus L., is renowned for its richness in secondary metabolites such as crocin and safranal, contributing to its unique properties. Facing challenges like decreasing global production, optimizing cultivation techniques becomes imperative for enhanced yields. Although the impact of factors like planting density, planting depth, spacing, and corm size on saffron growth has been studied, the interaction between corm size and planting depth remains underexplored. This study systematically investigates the interactive effects of corm size and planting depth on saffron growth and yield, providing evidence-based guidelines for optimizing cultivation. A factorial experiment, employing a completely randomized design, was conducted to assess the influence of corm size (05-10g, 10.1-15g, 15.1-20g) and planting depth (10cm, 15cm, 20cm) on saffron yield. Uniform-sized corms were obtained, and a suitable soil mixture was prepared for cultivation. Morphological and agronomic parameters were measured, and statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test. The study revealed that planting depth significantly affected saffron emergence. The corms sown under 15cm depth showed 100% emergence regardless of corm size (either 05-10g, 10.1-15g, 15.1-20g) followed by 10cm depth corms. Corm dry weight exhibited a complex interaction, where larger corms benefited from deeper planting, while intermediate-sized corms thrived at shallower depths. Similar patterns were observed in shoot fresh weight and dry weight. Specifically, the largest corm size (t3, 15.1-20g) produced the greatest fresh-weight biomass at the deepest planting depth of 20cm (T3), while intermediate-sized corms (t2, 10.1-15g) were superior at the shallowest 10cm depth (T1). The total plant biomass demonstrated that larger corms excelled in deeper planting, while intermediate-sized corms were optimal at moderate depths. This research highlights the intricate interplay between corm size and planting depth in influencing saffron growth. Larger corms generally promote higher biomass, but the interaction with planting depth is crucial. Understanding these dynamics can aid farmers in tailoring cultivation practices for optimal saffron yields. The study emphasizes the need for a coordinated approach to corm selection and depth placement, providing valuable insights for sustainable saffron production and economic growth.
Topics: Crocus; Agriculture; Soil; Biomass; Carotenoids
PubMed: 38758743
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303264 -
Frontiers in Genetics 2024The cool temperate origin of gymnosperm species in East Asia is specifically diverse and widespread. Certain lineages have managed to extend their distribution further...
The cool temperate origin of gymnosperm species in East Asia is specifically diverse and widespread. Certain lineages have managed to extend their distribution further south to subtropical and tropical islands such as Taiwan and the Philippines. To address questions including whether these insular lineages, recently identified as , have become genetically distinct from each other and from their continental relatives, and when and how they colonized their residing islands, we sampled over 11 populations, covering 179 individuals from Taiwan and the Philippines. Using four cpDNA and one nuclear marker, we showed in population genetic and genealogical analyses that the two insular lineages were genetically distinct from each other and also from other continental and that they represented each other's closest relative. Estimated with the coalescent-based multi-type tree (MTT) analyses, we inferred an origin of Taiwanese more ancient than 2.49 Mya and that of Philippine more ancient than 1.08 Mya. In addition, the divergence demographic history revealed by both MTT and isolation with migration (IM) analyses indicated the presence of recent post-split migrations from a continental taxon, , to Taiwanese , as well as from Taiwanese to Philippine . Overall, this study suggests Taiwan as a stepping stone through which the temperate-origin yew trees can extend their distributions to tropical regions such as the Philippines.
PubMed: 38756448
DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1372309 -
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2024In the current scenario, the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) using environmentally benign methods has gained significant attention due to their facile processes,...
BACKGROUND
In the current scenario, the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) using environmentally benign methods has gained significant attention due to their facile processes, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendly nature.
METHODS
In the present study, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were synthesized using aqueous extract of algae as a reducing, stabilizing, and capping agent. The synthesized CuO NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).
RESULTS
XRD investigation revealed that the biosynthesized CuO NPs were nanocrystalline with high-phase purity and size in the range of 4.26 nm to 28.51 nm. FTIR spectra confirmed the existence of secondary metabolites on the surface of the synthesized CuO NPs, with characteristic Cu-O vibrations being identified around 600 cm, 496 cm, and 440 cm. The FE-SEM images predicted that the enhancement of the algal extract amount converted the flattened rice-like structures of CuO NPs into flower petal-like structures. Furthermore, the degradation ability of biosynthesized CuO NPs was investigated against Amido black 10B (AB10B) dye. The results displayed that the optimal degradation efficacy of AB10B dye was 94.19%, obtained at 6 pH, 50 ppm concentration of dye, and 0.05 g dosage of CuO NPs in 90 min with a pseudo-first-order rate constant of 0.0296 min. The CuO-1 NPs synthesized through algae exhibited notable antibacterial efficacy against with a zone of inhibition (ZOI) of 22 mm and against with a ZOI of 17 mm.
CONCLUSION
Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that utilizing algae for the synthesis of CuO NPs presents a promising solution for addressing environmental contamination.
Topics: Copper; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Green Chemistry Technology; Metal Nanoparticles; Catalysis; Plant Extracts; Particle Size; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Staphylococcus aureus; X-Ray Diffraction; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
PubMed: 38756417
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S452889 -
Current Research in Microbial Sciences 2024Plants have a microbiome, a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, living inside and on their tissues. Versatile endophytic... (Review)
Review
Plants have a microbiome, a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, living inside and on their tissues. Versatile endophytic microorganisms inhabited in every plant part without causing disease and develop endophytic microbiome or endo-microbiome. Plant endo-microbiome are drawn by the nutrient rich micro-environment, and in turn some microbes mutualistically endorse and protect plant from adverse environmental stresses. Plant endo-microbiome interact within well-designed host equilibrium containing xylem, phloem, nutrients, phytohormones, metabolites and shift according to environmental and nutritional change. Plant endo-microbiome regulate and respond to environmental variations, pathogens, herbivores by producing stress regulators, organic acids, secondary metabolites, stress hormones as well as unknown substances and signalling molecules. Endomicrobiome efficiently synthesizes multiple bioactive compounds, stress phytohormones with high competence. The technological innovation as next generation genomics biology and high-throughput multiomics techniques stepping stones on the illumination of critical endo-microbiome communities and functional characterization that aid in improving plant physiology, biochemistry and immunity interplay for best crop productivity. This review article contains deeper insight in endomicrobiome related research work in last years, recruitment, niche development, nutrient dynamics, stress removal mechanisms, bioactive services in plant health development, community architecture and communication, and immunity interplay in producing stress resilient future crop.
PubMed: 38756233
DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2024.100236 -
Journal of Ethnobiology and... May 2024The Baiku Yao, primarily residing in Guangxi and Guizhou provinces of China, is a distinctive branch of the Yao ethnic group, known for their profound cultural...
BACKGROUND
The Baiku Yao, primarily residing in Guangxi and Guizhou provinces of China, is a distinctive branch of the Yao ethnic group, known for their profound cultural preservation and unique ethnobotanical knowledge. This study investigates the Baiku Yao community's utilization of traditional food plants, focusing on the relationship between their dietary practices and the local biodiversity within their mountainous living environment. It aims to illuminate the cultural significance and survival strategies embedded in their ethnobotanical knowledge, highlighting the potential for sustainable living and biodiversity conservation.
METHODS
Through ethnobotanical surveys, key informant interviews, and quantitative analysis techniques such as the cultural food significance index (CFSI) and relative frequency of citations (RFC), this research systematically documents the diversity and cultural importance of edible plants in the Baiku Yao community. The study assesses how these plants contribute to the community's diet, traditional medicine, and overall cultural practices.
RESULTS
A total of 195 traditional edible plants were documented, belonging to 142 genera and 68 families, with a significant concentration in certain families such as Asteraceae, Rosaceae, and Fabaceae. The Baiku Yao diet prominently features herbaceous plants, with wild (103 species) and cultivated (89 species) varieties as diverse food sources. They utilize various plant parts, particularly fruits and leaves, for multiple purposes, including nutrition, medicine, and fodder. Their processing techniques, from raw to fermented, showcase a rich culinary tradition and emphasize a holistic use of plants for enhancing diet and health in a concise overview. The RFC and CFSI analyses reveal a deep cultural reliance on a variety of plant species, with a notable emphasis on vegetables, fruits, spices, and medicinal herbs. Specific plants like Zingiber officinale, Zea mays, and Oryza sativa were highlighted for their high cultural significance. The study also uncovers the multifunctional use of these plants, not only as food but also for medicinal purposes, fodder, and other cultural applications, reflecting the Baiku Yao's profound ecological wisdom and their harmonious coexistence with nature.
CONCLUSION
The findings emphasize the rich ethnobotanical knowledge possessed by the Baiku Yao, underscoring the importance of documenting, safeguarding, and transmitting this invaluable traditional knowledge. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of cultural heritage and biodiversity conservation, advocating for concerted efforts to protect such traditional practices against the threats of modernization and cultural erosion.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Biodiversity; China; Conservation of Natural Resources; Diet; Ethnicity; Ethnobotany; Knowledge; Plants, Edible; Plants, Medicinal; Young Adult; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38755671
DOI: 10.1186/s13002-024-00691-y -
BMC Plant Biology May 2024Grazing exclusion is an efficient practice to restore degraded grassland ecosystems by eliminating external disturbances and improving ecosystems' self-healing...
BACKGROUND
Grazing exclusion is an efficient practice to restore degraded grassland ecosystems by eliminating external disturbances and improving ecosystems' self-healing capacities, which affects the ecological processes of soil-plant systems. Grassland degradation levels play a critical role in regulating these ecological processes. However, the effects of vegetation and soil states at different degradation stages on grassland ecosystem restoration are not fully understood. To better understand this, desert steppe at three levels of degradation (light, moderate, and heavy degradation) was fenced for 6 years in Inner Mongolia, China. Community characteristics were investigated, and nutrient concentrations of the soil (0-10 cm depth) and dominant plants were measured.
RESULTS
We found that grazing exclusion increased shoots' carbon (C) concentrations, C/N, and C/P, but significantly decreased shoots' nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations for Stipa breviflora and Cleistogenes songorica. Interestingly, there were no significant differences in nutrient concentrations of these two species among the three degraded desert steppes after grazing exclusion. After grazing exclusion, annual accumulation rates of aboveground C, N, and P pools in the heavily degraded area were the highest, but the aboveground nutrient pools were the lowest among the three degraded grasslands. Similarly, the annual recovery rates of community height, cover, and aboveground biomass in the heavily degraded desert steppe were the highest among the three degraded steppes after grazing exclusion. These results indicate that grazing exclusion is more effective for vegetation restoration in the heavily degraded desert steppe. The soil total carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, available nitrogen, and available phosphorus concentrations in the moderately and heavily degraded desert steppes were significantly decreased after six years of grazing exclusion, whereas these were no changes in the lightly degraded desert steppe. Structural equation model analysis showed that the grassland degradation level mainly altered the community aboveground biomass and aboveground nutrient pool, driving the decrease in soil nutrient concentrations and accelerating nutrient transfer from soil to plant community, especially in the heavily degraded grassland.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study emphasizes the importance of grassland degradation level in ecosystem restoration and provides theoretical guidance for scientific formulation of containment policies.
Topics: China; Grassland; Herbivory; Desert Climate; Soil; Phosphorus; Conservation of Natural Resources; Nitrogen; Poaceae; Carbon; Ecosystem; Nutrients; Environmental Restoration and Remediation; Animals
PubMed: 38755583
DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05127-z -
Scientific Reports May 2024Gut microbiota manipulation may reverse metabolic abnormalities in obesity. Our previous studies demonstrated that inulin supplementation significantly promoted...
Gut microbiota manipulation may reverse metabolic abnormalities in obesity. Our previous studies demonstrated that inulin supplementation significantly promoted Bifidobacterium and fat-free mass in obese children. We aimed to study gut-muscle axis from inulin supplementation in these children. In clinical phase, the plasma samples from 46 participants aged 7-15 years, were analyzed for muscle biomarkers before and after 6-month inulin supplementation. In parallel, the plausible mechanism of muscle production via gut-muscle axis was examined using macrophage cell line. Bifidobacterium was cultured in semi-refined medium with inulin used in the clinical phase. Cell-free supernatant was collected and used in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage cell line to determine inflammatory and anti-inflammatory gene expression. In clinical phase, IL-15 and creatinine/cystatin C ratio significantly increased from baseline to the 6th month. In vitro study showed that metabolites derived from Bifidobacterium capable of utilizing inulin contained the abundance of SCFAs. In the presence of LPS, treatment from Bifidobacterium + inulin downregulated TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS, but upregulated FIZZ-1 and TGF-β expression. Inulin supplementation promoted the muscle biomarkers in agreement with fat-free mass gain, elucidating by Bifidobacterium metabolites derived from inulin digestion showed in vitro anti-inflammatory activity and decreased systemic pro-inflammation, thus promoting muscle production via gut-muscle axis response.Clinical Trial Registry number: NCT03968003.
Topics: Inulin; Humans; Child; Adolescent; Male; Dietary Supplements; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Female; Bifidobacterium; Biomarkers; Pediatric Obesity; Macrophages; Lipopolysaccharides; Muscle, Skeletal
PubMed: 38755201
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61781-1 -
Scientific Reports May 2024Antimicrobial resistance in fungal pathogens (both human and plant) is increasing alarmingly, leading to massive economic crises. The existing anti-fungal agents are...
Antimicrobial resistance in fungal pathogens (both human and plant) is increasing alarmingly, leading to massive economic crises. The existing anti-fungal agents are becoming ineffective, and the situation worsens on a logarithmic scale. Novel antifungals from unique natural sources are highly sought to cope sustainably with the situation. Metabolites from endophytic microbes are the best-fitted alternatives in this case. Endophytes are the untapped sources of 'plants' internal microbial population' and are promising sources of effective bio-therapeutic agents. Fungal endophytes were isolated from Tropaeolum majus and checked for antifungal activity against selected plant and human pathogens. Bioactive metabolites were identified through chromatographic techniques. The mode of action of those metabolites was evaluated through various spectroscopic techniques. The production of antifungal metabolite was optimized also. In particular VOCs (volatile organic compounds) of TML9 were tested in vitro for their anti-phytopathogenic activity. Ethyl acetate (EA) extract of cell-free culture components of Colletotrichum aenigma TML3 exhibited broad-spectrum antifungal activity against four species of Candida and the major constituents reported were 6-pentyl-2H-pyran-2-one, 2-Nonanone, 1 propanol 2-amino. The volatile metabolites, trans-ocimene, geraniol, and 4-terpinyl acetate, produced from Curvularia lunata TML9, inhibited the growth of some selected phyto pathogens. EA extract hampered the biofilm formation, minimised the haemolytic effect, and blocked the transformation of Candida albicans (MTCC 4748) from yeast to hyphal form with a Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) of 200-600 µg mL. Central carbohydrate metabolism, ergosterol synthesis, and membrane permeability were adversely affected and caused the lethal leakage of necessary macromolecules of C. albicans. Volatile metabolites inhibited the growth of phytopathogens i.e., Rhizoctonia solani, Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, Cercospora beticola, Penicillium digitatum, Aspergillus fumigatus, Ceratocystis ulmi, Pythium ultimum up to 89% with an IC value of 21.3-69.6 µL 50 mL and caused leakage of soluble proteins and other intracellular molecules. Citrusy sweet odor volatiles of TML9 cultured in wheat-husk minimised the infections of Penicillium digitatum (green mold), in VOC-exposed sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis). Volatile and non-volatile antifungal metabolites of these two T. majus endophytes hold agricultural and pharmaceutical interests. Metabolites of TML3 have strong anti-Candida activity and require further assessment for therapeutic applications. Also, volatile metabolites of TML9 can be further studied as a source of antifungals. The present investigational outcomes bio-prospects the efficacy of fungal endophytes of Garden Nasturtium.
Topics: Volatile Organic Compounds; Antifungal Agents; Endophytes; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Colletotrichum; Fungi; Alternaria; Rhizoctonia; Humans; Candida
PubMed: 38755187
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60948-0 -
PloS One 2024Scalesia pendunculata Hook.f. is the dominant tree in several highlands' areas of the Galapagos Archipelago, yet in inhabited islands the conversion to agricultural...
Scalesia pendunculata Hook.f. is the dominant tree in several highlands' areas of the Galapagos Archipelago, yet in inhabited islands the conversion to agricultural fields has reduced its cover. The transition to agroforestry systems including the species shows promising scenarios to restore its cover and to provide ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration. Here, based on field gathered data, we model the potential contribution of S. pedunculata stands in the carbon sequestration of Galapagos. Between 2013-2021, 426 S. pedunculata seedlings were planted in the highlands of Santa Cruz and Floreana islands using several restoration technologies, and their height and survival were monitored every three months. A sub-sample of 276 trees alive since 2020 was used to estimate the DBH based on plant age and height. Based on scientific literature, biomass and carbon content were estimated across time. The final modelling included the density of plants in the restoration sites, estimated DBH, potential survival by restoration treatment, and a Brownian noise to add stochastic events. Overall, survival of S. pedunculata was high in control and slightly increased by most restoration treatments. A stand of 530 trees/ha was projected to sequester ~21 Mg C/ha in 10 years. If this is replicated over all Galapagos coffee production would contribute to the reduction of -1.062% of the Galapagos carbon footprint for the same period. This study adds to compiling benefits of restoring Galapagos flora.
Topics: Carbon Sequestration; Agriculture; Ecuador; Ecosystem; Carbon; Trees; Biomass; Conservation of Natural Resources
PubMed: 38753896
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302680 -
Ecology and Evolution May 2024The El Niño 2015 event, most extreme since 1997, led to severe droughts in tropical wet Papua New Guinea (PNG), reducing May to October dry season rainfall by 75% in...
The El Niño 2015 event, most extreme since 1997, led to severe droughts in tropical wet Papua New Guinea (PNG), reducing May to October dry season rainfall by 75% in the lowlands and 25% in the highlands. Such droughts are likely to have significant effects on terrestrial ecosystems, but they have been poorly explored in Papua New Guinea. Here, we report changes in bird community composition prior to, during, and after the 2015 El Niño event along the elevational gradient ranging from 200 m to 2700 m a.s.l. at the Mt. Wilhelm rainforest in PNG. The abundance of birds in the lowlands dropped by 60% but increased by 40% at elevations above 1700 m during El Niño year. In the following year, the individual bird species reached mean population sizes similar to pre-El Niño years but did not fully recover. Species richness roughly followed the pattern of observed abundance and quickly and fully re-established after the event to the pre- El Niño values. Thus, at least some terrestrial birds seem to react quickly to the extreme droughts in lowlands and shift to less affected mountain habitats. We recorded upper elevational range limits to shifts by more than 500 m a.s.l. in 22 bird species (out of 237 recorded in total) during El Niño year, in contrast to their typical ranges. Our study suggests that a strong El Niño event can have strong but reversible effects on bird communities as long as they have an opportunity to move to more favorable sites through undisturbed habitats.
PubMed: 38751823
DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10955