International Journal of Plant Biology

Moroccan populations of Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaerth. (Betulaceae) are found at the southern limit of the species’ range and are represented by tetraploid cytotypes with no available pollen data. The objective of this study was to assess the morphological and morphometric variability of the pollen, specifically focusing on pollen diameters and the number of apertures. To achieve this, we sampled 11 populations that are representative of the Moroccan distribution area of this species. We employed a hierarchical sampling design (11 populations, 10 trees per population, and from 30 to 300 pollen grains per tree, depending on the character measured) to examine different levels of variability: interpopulation, intrapopulation, and intraindividual. The results demonstrate that there is no discernible difference in the morphology or size of the pollen among the Moroccan tetraploid populations. However, we observed a high degree of intraspecific variability in pollen morphometric traits, but most of this variability is associated with the intraindividual level. Full article

The organic layer of forest soils (forest floor) provides important ecosystem functions and serves as a habitat for soil organisms. This review provides an overview of research on humus forms of moist and wet forest stands based on a systematic literature review. Detailed information was collected from around 80 articles and books. It was examined whether the articles include the chemical, physical, or biological properties of humus forms. In addition, selected topics associated with and often used in relation to moist or wet humus forms, like information on morphological properties or information on specific classification systems, are considered. In general, it was found that many articles include the importance of moist or wet humus forms in their classification system. However, there was less or insufficient explanation on morphological properties. The humus forms on poorly drained or even waterlogged sites differ from humus forms on well-drained sites because the water factor affects the processes and thus the morphology very much. High soil moisture (=water saturation) means periodically anaerobic conditions in mineral soil and also very often in organic layers. Hence, soil organic carbon and soil organisms are affected. Especially, the recent literature often deals with climate change and soil organic carbon in moist and wet forest stands. Full article

Adaptation plasticity constitutes a key factor in the development of such plants under different ecoclimatic conditions. The current study was designed to determine the morphological and phenotypic variability of Ajuga iva collected from distinct geographical locations in Morocco and their phenolic content. Four samples of Ajuga iva were collected to evaluate the morphological variability and adaptability to ensure the sustainable growth of this medicinal plant known for its unique biological properties. Eleven morphological parameters were selected, including length, width, number, distance, and the thickness of different parts, as well as total phenolic content. Statistical tools, such as principal component analysis, and correlation were used to assess the change in the parameters under study based on the geographical origin. Treatment of the obtained results revealed a high variability of morphological parameters of different samples according to the site and altitude, and the interaction between the studied factors. The sample collected from Jbel Zerhoun registered the highest values of the following morphological parameters: APL (12.47 ± 2.09 cm), UPL (6.56 ± 0.40 cm), APW (3.28 ± 1.59 g), UPW (1.24 ± 0.19 g), LW (0.40 ± 0.10 cm), LN (44 ± 4), and NN (21.33 ± 2.51). The samples collected from an altitude above 1000 m showed the highest values of different morphological parameters (aerial part length and weight, underground part weight, leaf number and weight, and node number) and registered the maximum of TPC (124.12 mg GAE/g, 128.86 mg GAE/g, and 164.75 mg GAE/g for samples collected from Immouzzer Kander, Jbel Zerhoun, and Azrou, respectively). Therefore, the samples from high elevations can resist environmental critical conditions by the emergence of different biochemical processes to synthesize bioactive compounds with multifaceted effects. Full article

When working with rare plant species, applying morphometric techniques is one of the main ways to obtain a representative data set on plant individuals and the state of particular populations growing in different ecological conditions and experiencing different degrees of anthropogenic load. Zygophyllum pinnatum, an understudied species growing on the territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan, the Orenburg region, and the Republic of Kazakhstan, is referred as a rare species. The purpose of the work is to study morphometric parameters and reveal the vitality structure of the Z. pinnatum coenopopulations in two regions of the Russian Federation (the Republic of Bashkortostan and Orenburg region) and in the north-west of the Republic of Kazakhstan (the Aktobe Region). Applying standard morphometric techniques, we analyzed the state of 16 coenopopulations of the species. Judging by most morphometric parameters, the leadership belongs to the individuals from the “Troitsk Cretaceous Mountains” coenopopulation located in the Sol-Iletsky District of Orenburg oblast, where, apparently, the most optimal plant conditions are formed (the absence of human impact and low projective cover of the grass stand to have a favorable effect). The minimum values for most parameters are recorded in the coenopopulations located on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, resulting from arid growing conditions. The variability of most characters is within the normal range of the species response (Cv—5.0–44.6%). The discriminant function analysis revealed the morphostructural similarity of individuals from most coenopopulations. Regarding vitality, eight coenopopulations are prosperous, and another eight are depressed. The condition of the species coenopopulations is stable; however, the species is not provided with proper protection measures. Therefore, further monitoring of its habitats and improvement of environmental measures are necessary. Full article

Coffea canephora, also known as Robusta, is one of the coffee species that dominates production in Indonesia. The morphology, physiology, and phytochemistry of Canephora coffee beans are affected by many factors, such as the fruit harvesting time and post-harvest processing. The maturity stage of coffee fruits at harvest time and post-harvest management will affect the various morpho-physiological and phytochemical compositions of the coffee beans. This research aimed to observe Canephora coffee beans’ morpho-physiological and phytochemical compositions for various harvesting stages and soaking durations. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD). It tested eight treatments, a combination of harvesting times (H1 = only red fruit/ripe stage, H2 = green, yellow, red fruits/strip-picking stage) and soaking durations (S0 = 0, S1 = 12, S2 = 24, and S3 = 36 h) with four replications. The main observations were the morpho-physiological traits (size, weight, color, moisture content, bean yield) and the phytochemical compositions (TPC = total phenolic content, AA = antioxidant activity, and CC = caffeine content) of the coffee bean before and after the drying process. Based on morphological characteristics (bean size and weight before drying), the highest value came from selective harvesting or ripe-picking only without soaking duration application (H1S0). While the selective harvesting method with a 24 h soaking duration showed a high value for the color trait (L and b*), the treatment that affected the color trait after drying was the strip-picking harvesting method without soaking (a* and b*). On the other hand, the phytochemical contents had H1S0 for the highest TPC and AA values. In contrast, H1S1 or selective harvesting, with 12 h of soaking, had the highest value of CC. The optimum combination of harvesting methods and soaking duration will improve the quality of the Canephora coffee beans. Full article

Humus forms and organic matter decomposition are influenced by climate, plants and soil decomposers. Yet, whether different humus forms could be experimentally linked to litter decomposition has still to be fully assessed. To assess the link between humus systems and organic matter decomposition, we worked in two regions of the Swiss Alps (Valais and Ticino) along elevational gradients by following a north/south exposure design. We quantified humus forms macrorests proportion types by the Ponge small-volume method and measured the decomposition of green tea and rooibos tea within the Parasystems and Terrosystems. We found that Parasystems and Terrosystems differed in tea decomposition rates, with a slower decomposition in Parasystems than in Terrosystems. We also observed that elevation, and hence, vegetation type (i.e., forest in the subalpine versus grassland in the alpine), drove humus form distribution, with Parasystems found in the alpine and subalpine in Ticino, while in Valais Parasystems were only found in the alpine and Terrosystems in the subalpine levels. Further analyses are however needed to identify other variables that best correlate with variation in decomposition processes within humus systems, such as soil decomposer community composition. Full article

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is a vegetable that holds high economic and nutritional value and is renowned for its distinct shape, color and flavor. There has been a considerable focus on enhancing the genetic makeup of eggplant, with specific attention given to breeding for better agronomic characteristics. However, the crop suffers from a narrow genetic base. As part of the efforts to broaden the gene pool of eggplant, a chemical mutagenesis approach has been employed, aimed to generate eggplant genotypes with distinctive characteristics. Altogether 180 seeds of eggplant cultivar, Surya was treated with EMS at 0.7% v/v concentration. In the development of M2 generation, members of 16 M2 families were inspected for phenotypic variation. Notable variations were observed in traits such as plant height, leaf, flower and fruit morphologies. Furthermore, a subset of the mutants was selected to screen for any DNA alterations in a few targeted genes belonging to the Flowering Locus T/Terminal Flower 1 (FT/TFL1) gene family, via amplicon sequencing performed using Pacbio RSII. A mutant sample was discovered to carry a heterozygous mutation at the upstream region of the coding sequence of one of those particular genes. Taken together, the M2 families developed here represent valuable genetic resources that can be explored for gene functional analysis and future breeding programs of eggplant. Full article

Fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda is currently being considered as a serious insect pest in maize that causes significant yield losses worldwide. Silicon (Si) and plant growth regulators (PGRs) are known to induce resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses thereby enhancing the yield. This study was conducted to determine the influence of Si and PGRs on the incidence and damage of FAW on maize (Zea mays L.) under field condition. The experiment was conducted in both Kharif and Rabi seasons using a randomized complete block design with three replications and treatments. Various combinations of foliar silicic acid (FSA) and two PGRs such as gibberelic acid (GA₃) and jasmonic acid (JA) were tested to study their effects on FAW incidence and maize yield. The application of FSA at 2mL/plant + GA₃ at 0.5 mg/plant recorded the lowest number of larvae per plant (0.39 larva/plant) with the lowest damage score of 2.55 (Davis scale). The percent infestation was also low for the same treatment, i.e., 34.14 percent infestation with the highest percent reduction over control (56.43%). The highest yield (58.39 q/ha) and cost–benefit ratio (1:2.34) was recorded for FSA at 2 mL/plant + GA₃ at 0.5 mg/plant, which was considered as the best treatment. This study demonstrated that exogenous application of Si along with PGRs has significant negative effect on field incidence of FAW and enhanced the yield of maize. Full article

None of our investigations have identified stress in response to the HSP70 and HO-1 proteins in metals under stress in our study, which aimed to understand the genetic basis of the metal tolerance of Arundo donax. Thus, the present work aimed to investigate the levels of expression of two important stress-related proteins, HO-1 and HSP70, in A. donax after exposure to various metals. The plants were collected from uncontaminated sites in Abbottabad, Pakistan. Their rhizomes were grown in Hoagland solution, and upon attaining suitable biomass, the plants were used to investigate the effects of metals on protein expression. The metal treatments were carried out with synthetic wastewater containing four Cr treatments (0, 34, 66, 134, and 267 mgL⁻¹), namely, Cd, As, Pb, Cu and Ni (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mgL⁻¹), and the plants were grown for three weeks. The treatments were applied according to a randomized block design (RBD) based on hydroponics. The selected protein expression was examined after 10 days of metal exposure. For the HSP70 and HO-1 protein studies, leaves were separated following a previously reported standard procedure. The maximum level of HO-1 and HSP70 expressions was noted at 66 mgL⁻¹ of Cr, and then it slightly declined. Significantly, high protein expression was observed at Cd exposure concentrations of 50 to 100 mgL⁻¹. For Cu, As and Ni, significantly high HO-1 and HSP70 expressions were noted at metal exposure concentrations of 75 to 100 mgL⁻¹. The expression levels of these two stress-related proteins showed a linear increase with increasing metal exposure in the giant reed. It is clear from the present research that HSP70 and HO-1 proteins may contribute significantly to plant tolerance to metal stress, in addition to other possible tolerance mechanisms. Full article

In Germany, the systematics of humus forms has been developed, which is mainly based on morphological characteristics and has been proven via detailed long-term observation. The humus form systematics presented here is an update based on a new approach, clarifying the hierarchical structure into divisions, classes, types, and subtypes. New diagnostic horizons and transition horizons are introduced, uniquely characterising types and subtypes. This paper holds that the humus form is not only a product of decomposition, humification, and bioturbation but also serves as habitat for soil organisms. The processes and the habitat are shaped by soil-forming factors with the main factor being soil water conditions. Thus, on the first level of systematics, aeromorphic and aero-hydromorphic as well as hydromorphic humus forms are differentiated. Many different features of the organic layers and the mineral topsoil can be observed in forests, open grasslands, the mountain zone above the tree line, and natural fens and bogs, as well as degraded peatlands. Features shaping the humus form, such as the proportion of organic fine material and packing of the organic matter as well as the structure of the mineral soil, have now been unambiguously described. However, site-specific soil-forming factors result in typical organic matter characteristics of individual horizons and typical combinations of different horizons. This relationship is illustrated using descriptions of distinct humus forms. Full article

This study examines the impact of irrigation water quality on the synthesis of secondary metabolites and the chemical composition of Mentha piperita essential oil (MPEO). Three essential oils from Mentha piperita plants, irrigated with different water sources commonly used for mint irrigation in Morocco’s Oriental region, were analyzed. The water sources were characterized based on various parameters, such as nitrites, nitrates, orthophosphates, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD5), pH, and electrical conductivity. The essential oils were extracted using hydrodistillation, and their chemical composition was determined using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), revealing notable variations among the compositions of the three essential oils. In this study, in silico tests using the Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS) algorithm; the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) model; and Pro-Tox II were conducted to evaluate the drug-likeness, pharmacokinetic properties, expected safety profile upon ingestion, and potential pharmacological activity of the identified compounds in MPEO. The antioxidant activity of the MPEOs was assessed through a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and the total antioxidant activity (TAC) method. Additionally, the antimicrobial effectiveness of the essential oils was tested against four bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and four fungal strains (Candida glabrata, Rhodotorula glutinis, Penicillium digitatum, Aspergillus niger), demonstrating moderate to strong activities against the tested strains. This study concludes that regulating irrigation water quality can enhance the production of specific metabolites, making them potentially valuable as antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. Full article

Cryopreservation is considered to be one of the most effective methods for long-term storage of plant genetic resources, particularly for ornamental species. However, there is a very little research on cryopreservation of lilacs. In this study, for the first time the cryopreservation protocol (a variation of a pregrowth-dehydration method) was successfully applied to two cultivars of Syringa vulgaris: ‘Aucubaefolia’ and ‘Polina Osipenko’. Explants of both cultivars were able to withstand the different steps of the protocol, and high survival and regrowth percentages were obtained after exposure to liquid nitrogen (67–100% and 63–88%, respectively). The current study is mainly focused on the preculture conditions of the applied method. Based on our results, we propose the use of paclobutrazol (PBZ) with the combination of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and thidiazuron (TDZ) in the preculture medium for increasing explant tolerance to subsequent dehydration and freezing. During post-LN recovery, the explants appeared morphologically normal, and after 12–16 weeks after thawing, they were propagated and cultured as normal plantlets. Therefore, the reported method is effective for long-term storage of lilac meristems and could be used to create a cryobank of achievements in lilac breeding. Full article

Jelly palm (Butia capitata) is a species of palm tree endemic to the Brazilian Savannah (Cerrado) Biome, which stands out for its use as food, which has resulted in a predatory exploitation of its natural populations. This study aimed to characterize fruits and diaspores of natural populations of jelly palm (‘Arinos’, ‘Mirabela’ and ‘Serranópolis’), in addition to developing ex situ conservation strategies of the species, through the storage of zygotic embryos at ultra-low temperatures of liquid nitrogen (LN). Initially, fruits, seeds and embryos were evaluated for their morphological characteristics. For conservation, hydrated zygotic embryos were desiccated for up to 12 h in a laminar-flow chamber and immersed directly in LN with different moisture contents. As a result, we observed morphological differences among the studied populations. The population ‘Arinos’ showed more expressive results for most of the evaluated characteristics, such as length, width of fruits and seeds. The cryopreservation of zygotic embryos proved to be efficient for the conservation of the species reaching germination rates between 70 and 86%, when the moisture content of the embryos immersed in LN were between 10 and 14%. The plants that reached the stage of the greenhouse had a rate of more than 80% survival. The variability in the characteristics of fruits and diaspores of the analyzed populations allow for establishing divergent groups for the definition of conservation strategies or genetic improvement. The developed cryopreservation protocol can be considered simple and efficient for the conservation of the genetic variability of the species. Full article

The current state of the coenotic populations of Iris pumila L. (Iridaceae) were studied in the southeast of the European part of Russia (Samara Region). The phytocenotic confinement and population structure of the species were assessed. I. pumila preferred growing in steppe zonal communities. In total, 118 species of vascular plants were found in the communities, where I. pumila has been registered, and of which 34 (28.8%) were included into the Red List of the Samara Region and 8 species into the Red List of the Russian Federation. In the study area, populations of I. pumila were represented by a significant number of individuals and were in a stable state. According to the “delta-omega” criterion, the populations were mature (47.0%), transitional (23.5%), maturing (17.6%), and aging (11.9%), which testified to the diversity of population structure and thus to a satisfactory state of the species in the Samara Region. The populations recovered mainly due to individuals of vegetative origin, but this process was rather slow. Under unfavorable conditions, I. pumila populations were characterized by a vegetative settled way of life. Fires, grazing, and destruction of habitats had a significant impact on the population structure and absolute abundance in the Samara Region. Full article

In recent years, three sections (Humipedon, Copedon and Lithopedon) were recognized in the soil profile. It was then possible to link the first and most biologically active section to the characteristics of the environment and soil genesis. In particular, it is now possible to distinguish organic horizons, mainly produced by arthropods and enchytraeids in cold and acidic or dry and arid environments, from organo-mineral horizons produced by earthworms in more temperate and mesotrophic environments. Each set of horizons can be associated with a humus system or form, with important implications for forestry. Anecic/endogeic earthworms and Mull or Amphi systems are more abundant in the early and late stages of sylvogenesis; by completely recycling litter, earthworms accelerate the availability of organic and inorganic soil nutrients to roots and pedofauna. On the other hand, arthropods and Moder or Tangel systems characterize the intermediate stages of sylvogenesis, where thickening in the organic horizons and the parallel impoverishment/reduction in the underlying organo-mineral horizons are observed. Recognizing the humus system at the right spatial and temporal scale is crucial for the biological management of a forest. This article includes a data review, new data from a doctoral thesis, and recent comparisons of Italian and French investigations. Full article

Microalgae are a natural source of lipids, carotenoids, and other value-added compounds. The combination of nutrients and their precise ratio have a significant impact on the productivity of microalgae-mediated compounds. The biomass, lipid, chlorophyll, and carotenoid production of three microalgae species, namely, Monoraphidium sp., Chlorella sorokiniana, and Scenedesmus obliquus, were investigated by employing standard photoautotrophic media, namely, BG-11, BBM, and HS CHU-10. BBM was found as the most effective medium since it obtained higher biomass, lipids, and carotenoids from microalgae. The lipids and carotenoids were identified using chromatographic and microscopy techniques. The findings showed that although the Monoraphidium sp. biomass productivity was the lowest, it emerged as a substantial producer of astaxanthin, whereas the Chlorella sorokiniana culture could grow in a variety of media and produced β-carotene as a major carotenoid. On the other hand, Scenedesmus obliquus was found to be a considerable source of lipids and β-carotene. This study provided a comprehensive understanding of the appropriate medium selection in order to extract an assortment of value-added compounds from freshwater microalgae species. Full article

Various methodologies, sensitivities, and types of interference affect the quantification of plant hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) concentration. Modified ferrous oxidation xylenol orange (eFOX) assay and titanium sulfate (Ti(SO₄)₂ assay are relatively accessible methods. However, their correlation is unknown, for example whether we can get the same results for different species in different environments. Leaf samples of Ambrosia trifida, Solidago altissima, Artemisia princeps, and Sicyos angulatus were collected from a riparian vegetation zone on sunny days. The H₂O₂ concentration in the plant leaves was evaluated in two groups. Nonfrozen leaf samples were prepared for analysis soon after arriving at the laboratory, and frozen leaf samples were stored at −80 °C for 25 days and prepared afterwards. The eFOX assay can measure even lower fluctuations in H₂O₂ concentration than the Ti(SO₄)₂ assay. A substantial correlation was observed between nonfrozen and frozen samples in the eFOX (r = 0.879, p < 0.001) and Ti(SO₄)₂ assays (r = 0.837, p < 0.001). Sample weight did not affect H₂O₂ quantification. Each species showed a substantial correlation between the eFOX and Ti(SO₄)₂ assays in nonfrozen conditions (Ambrosia trifida (r = 0.767, p < 0.001), Solidago altissima (r = 0.583, p < 0.001), Artemisia princeps (r = 0.672, p < 0.001), and Sicyos angulatus (r = 0.828, p < 0.001)). Therefore, both methods can be utilized easily and rapidly to quantify oxidative stress using H₂O₂. Full article

The use of in vitro callus cultures as experimental model systems allows us to get closer to understanding the patterns and features of morphogenesis in intact plants. In this regard, the problem of realizing the morphogenetic potential of callus cells due to their pluri- and totipotency properties is of great interest. To solve this problem, it is important to use the histological approach, which involves studying the structures of developing tissues, organs and organisms in their interactions and relationships. This review article analyzes data devoted to the study of the histological features of formed primary morphogenic calli (formation of morphogenetic centers and superficial meristematic zones), as well as the in vitro morphogenesis pathways in calli that lead to the formation of regenerants (de novo organogenesis and in vitro somatic embryogenesis). The terminology used is considered. Some questions for discussion are raised. The opinion is expressed that histological (structural) studies should be considered as a methodologic basis for further investigation of various morphogenetic scenarios in in vitro callus cultures, especially in economically valuable plants and for biotechnological purposes. Full article

The present study assessed two different plant parts (leaves and tubers) of Arum italicum species growing in Northeast Algeria for their phytochemical composition and pharmacological effects. The phytochemical content was determined using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector and an electrospray mass spectrometer (UHPLC-DAD-ESI/MS). The results revealed that the tuber extract was rich in lignans with a fraxiresinol glycoside as the major compound. In contrast, the leaf extract was rich in flavonoid glycosides, described for the first time in the aerial part of this species. The extract’s inhibitory activity against key enzymes was linked to hyperglycemia, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase, and their ability to inhibit the growth of human gastric carcinoma (AGS) and lung carcinoma (A549) cancer cell lines was also assessed. A cell line morphology study was also conducted with the most effective extract. The chromatin status of the cells was evaluated using DAPI, while the cytoplasmic morphology was evaluated using phalloidin. The tuber extract generally inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes more efficiently than the leaf extract. Its inhibition effect against the α-glucosidase was significantly higher when compared to the standard acarbose. The tuber extract also caused more viability loss of AGS and A549 cancer cells than the leaf extract in the cytotoxicity assay. In conclusion, our findings show that, compared to the leaf extract, the tuber extract exhibited more pronounced biological effects. The strong inhibitory potential of the tuber extract against the α-glucosidase enzyme should also be highlighted, which suggests it is a good candidate for discovering new antidiabetic agents. Full article