Biosynthesis is a green method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This study aimed to assess the antifungal activity of two silver nanoparticle solutions, synthesized using beech bark extract (BBE) and acetate and nitrate silver salts (AgNP Acetate BBE and AgNP Nitrate BBE), their influence on biofilm production, their potential synergistic effects with fluconazole, on different Candida spp., and their influence on virulence factors of C. albicans (germ tube production, gene expression for ALS3, SAP2, HSP70). Both the AgNP BBEs presented different minimum inhibitory concentrations for all the studied Candida spp., but biofilm production was inhibited only for C. albicans and C. guilliermondii. The growth rates of all the studied Candida spp. were inhibited in the presence of both AgNP BBEs, except for C. auris. Synergistic activity was observed for C. parapsilosis and C. guilliermondii, for different combinations of fluconazole with both the AgNP BBEs. The germ tube production of C. albicans was slightly inhibited by the AgNP BBEs. Only AgNP Acetate BBE was able to down-regulate the expression of SAP2. Overall, we can conclude that, even if more studies are necessary, AgNPs synthesized with beech bark extract might be an interesting alternative to classic antifungal treatments. Full article

Managing invasive exotic plant species is a complex challenge, especially for Asian knotweeds (Reynoutria spp.). Tarping is a regularly cited but poorly documented control method, which consists of covering the ground with a tarp (agricultural tarp, geotextile, geomembrane, etc.) to create a physical barrier to hinder plant growth and deprive the plants of light in order to deplete their rhizomatous reserves. To improve our knowledge of tarping in order to identify the key factors of its success or failure, we reviewed the relevant grey and scientific literature and conducted an international survey among managers to collect feedback on tarping experiments. In the literature, as well as in the field, practices are quite heterogeneous, and the method’s effectiveness is highly contrasted. A better consideration of knotweed biology may improve the efficacy of the method. Based on the bibliography and survey work, we propose practical recommendations including covering the entire stand, extending the tarping up to 2.5 m beyond its edges for a period of at least six years, and ensuring regular monitoring. Even though tarping does not seem to be a one-size-fits-all solution to eradicate knotweed, it could still be a useful control method once knotweed has become a critical management issue. Full article

An obvious relationship between germination sensu stricto and seedling development during post-germination has been considered, but not explained concerning vigor. Taking this into account, we used measurements of water dynamics in germinating seeds and seedling development to clarify that relationship. The biological model was soybean seeds, since it is the most relevant ‘true seed’ produced around world. Our findings suggest that the way energy is used (acceleration) and not its input (velocity) is the main aspect relating seed germination and seedling development, especially when considering vigor. However, velocity and acceleration can be complementary in analyses of seed physiology. Other measurements proposed here also have potential uses for testing vigor in seed lots, such as seedling vigor index and biological activity in the lot. Therefore, water dynamics in germinating seeds can be an interesting way for testing seed lots, because it is an easier, faster and cheaper method in relation to other non-destructive procedures. Full article

The present study aimed to investigate the influence of quinoa fractions (QF) on the chemical components of wheat flour (WF), dough rheological properties, and baking performance of wheat bread. The microstructure and molecular conformations of QF fractions were dependent to the particle size. The protein, lipids, and ash contents of composite flours increased with the increase of QF addition level, while particle size (PS) decreased these parameters as follows: Medium ˃ Small ˃ Large, the values being higher compared with the control (WF). QF addition raised dough tenacity from 86.33 to 117.00 mm H₂O, except for the small fraction, and decreased the extensibility from 94.00 to 26.00 mm, while PS determined an irregular trend. The highest QF addition levels and PS led to the highest dough viscoelastic moduli (55,420 Pa for QL_20, 65245 Pa for QM_20 and 48305 Pa for QS_20, respectively). Gradual increase of QF determined dough hardness increase and adhesiveness decrease. Bread firmness, springiness, and gumminess rises were proportional to the addition level. The volume, elasticity, and porosity of bread decreased with QF addition. Flour and bread crust and crumb color parameters were also influenced by QF addition with different PS. Full article

Nitrogen (N) is an essential macronutrient, which contributes substantially to the growth and development of plants. In the soil, nitrate (NO₃) is the predominant form of N available to the plant and its acquisition by the plant involves several NO₃ transporters; however, the mechanism underlying their involvement in the adaptive response under abiotic stress is poorly understood. Initially, we performed an in silico analysis to identify potential binding sites for the basic leucine zipper 62 transcription factor (AtbZIP62 TF) in the promoter of the target genes, and constructed their protein–protein interaction networks. Rather than AtbZIP62, results revealed the presence of cis-regulatory elements specific to two other bZIP TFs, AtbZIP18 and 69. A recent report showed that AtbZIP62 TF negatively regulated AtbZIP18 and AtbZIP69. Therefore, we investigated the transcriptional regulation of AtNPF6.2/NRT1.4 (low-affinity NO₃ transporter), AtNPF6.3/NRT1.1 (dual-affinity NO₃ transporter), AtNRT2.1 and AtNRT2.2 (high-affinity NO₃ transporters), and AtGLU1 and AtGLU2 (both encoding glutamate synthase) in response to drought stress in Col-0. From the perspective of exploring the transcriptional interplay of the target genes with AtbZIP62 TF, we measured their expression by qPCR in the atbzip62 (lacking the AtbZIP62 gene) under the same conditions. Our recent study revealed that AtbZIP62 TF positively regulates the expression of AtPYD1 (Pyrimidine 1, a key gene of the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway know to share a common substrate with the N metabolic pathway). For this reason, we included the atpyd1-2 mutant in the study. Our findings revealed that the expression of AtNPF6.2/NRT1.4, AtNPF6.3/NRT1.1 and AtNRT2.2 was similarly regulated in atzbip62 and atpyd1-2 but differentially regulated between the mutant lines and Col-0. Meanwhile, the expression pattern of AtNRT2.1 in atbzip62 was similar to that observed in Col-0 but was suppressed in atpyd1-2. The breakthrough is that AtNRT2.2 had the highest expression level in Col-0, while being suppressed in atbzip62 and atpyd1-2. Furthermore, the transcript accumulation of AtGLU1 and AtGLU2 showed differential regulation patterns between Col-0 and atbzip62, and atpyd1-2. Therefore, results suggest that of all tested NO₃ transporters, AtNRT2.2 is thought to play a preponderant role in contributing to NO₃ transport events under the regulatory influence of AtbZIP62 TF in response to drought stress. Full article

Dental pathology remains a global health problem affecting both children and adults. The most important dental diseases are dental caries and periodontal pathologies. The main cause of oral health problems is overpopulation with pathogenic bacteria and for this reason, conventional therapy can often be ineffective due to bacterial resistance or may have unpleasant side effects. For that reason, studies in the field have focused on finding new therapeutic alternatives. Special attention is paid to the plant kingdom, which offers a wide range of plants and active compounds in various pathologies. This review focused on the most used plants in the dental field, especially on active phytocompounds, both in terms of chemical structure and in terms of mechanism of action. It also approached the in vitro study of active compounds and the main types of cell lines used to elucidate the effect and mechanism of action. Thus, medicinal plants and their compounds represent a promising and interesting alternative to conventional therapy. Full article

The special mixed reproductive system, i.e., the ability of an individual plant to develop both open, chasmogamous (CH) flowers adapted to cross-pollination and closed, cleistogamous (CL) flowers with obligate self-pollinating, is a common phenomenon in Viola L. In most sections of Northern Hemisphere violets, cleistogamy is seasonal, and CH and CL flowers develop sequentially in the season. Non-seasonal cleistogamy (simultaneous) is a rare phenomenon in rostrate violets. In the current study, we focused on modification of the CH/CL mating system in V. caspia by environmental conditions, resulting in a gradual switch from temporal cleistogamy, occurring in nature, to simultaneous cleistogamy under greenhouse conditions. V. reichenbachiana with seasonal cleistogamy was the control for V. caspia with the labile seasonal/simultaneous cleistogamy system. In simultaneous cleistogamy, the CH and CL flowers, fruits and seeds developed on an individual plant at the same time on the same branch. The typical difference between CH and CL flowers’ pistils is a straight style ending with a head-like stigma in CH and a curved style in CL adapted to self-pollination. This trait persists in the fruit and seed stages, allowing for easy recognition of fruit of CL and CH flowers in simultaneous cleistogamy. Floral meristems of CH flowers of V. reichenbachiana developed on the rhizome at the end of the growing season under short-day conditions and remained dormant until the following season. The CL floral meristems formed under long-day conditions on elongating lateral branches in the upper leaf axils. The daily temperature influenced the variable CH/CL ratio of V. caspia in nature and greenhouse conditions. Regulation of the CL/CH flower ratio by modifying environmental factors is important for basic research on genetic/epigenetic regulation of cleistogamy and for practical use to produce genetically stable lines of economically important species via CL seeds. Full article

Eranthis longistipitata Regel is an endemic plant of Central Asia. The flavonoid profile of E. longistipitata leaves was studied by mass spectrometry for the first time (natural populations of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, in 70% aqueous–ethanol extracts by liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry). Mass spectrometry revealed 18 flavonoid compounds. Flavonols featured the highest diversity, and 10 such substances were identified: 2 free aglycones (quercetin and kaempferol), 6 quercetin glycosides (peltatoside, hyperoside, reynoutrin, quercetin 3-sambubioside, rutin, and isoquercitrin), and 2 kaempferol glycosides (juglalin and trifolin). Two flavans (cianidanol and auriculoside), two hydroxyflavanones (6-methoxytaxifolin and aromadendrin), and one C-glycoside flavone—carlinoside—were identified. Dihydroxychalcones aspalathin, phloridzin, and phloretin were found too. Levels of rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, and hyperoside were confirmed by means of standards and high-performance liquid chromatography. Rutin concentration was the highest among all other identified flavonoid compounds: in the leaf samples from Kyrgyzstan, it ranged from 2.46 to 3.20 mg/g, and in those from Uzbekistan, from 1.50 to 3.01 mg/g. The diversity of flavonoid compounds in E. longistipitata leaves is probably due to external ecological and geographic factors and adaptive mechanisms. Full article

Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) is caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and is a major cause of rice yield reductions around the world. When diseased, plants produce a variety of metabolites to resist pathogens. In this study, the various defense metabolites were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after Xoo inoculation in a 120 Cheongcheong/Nagdong double haploid (CNDH) population. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping was conducted using the concentration of the plant defense metabolites. HPLC analyzes the concentration of substances according to the severity of disease symptoms. Searching for BLB resistance candidate genes by applying this analysis method is very effective when mapping related genes. These resistance genes can be mapped directly to the causative pathogens. A total of 17 metabolites were detected by means of HPLC analysis after Xoo inoculation in the 120 CNDH population. QTL mapping of the metabolite concentrations resulted in the detection of the BLB resistance candidate gene, OsWRKYq6, in RM3343 of chromosome 6. OsWRKYq6 has a very high homology sequence with WRKY transcription factor 39, and when inoculated with Xoo, the relative expression level of the resistant population was higher than that of the susceptible population. Resistance genes have previously been detected using only phenotypic change data. In this study, resistance candidate genes were detected using the concentration of metabolites produced in plants after inoculation with pathogens. This newly developed analysis method can be used to effectively detect and identify genes directly involved in disease resistance for future studies. Full article

Studies on plant growth and trait variation along environmental gradients can provide important information for identifying drivers of plant invasions and for deriving management strategies. We used seeds of the annual plant invader Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. (common ragweed) collected from an agricultural site in Northern Italy (226 m. a.s.l; Mean Annual Air Temperature: 12.9 °C; precipitations: 930 mm) to determine variation in growth trajectories and plant traits when grown along a 1000-m altitudinal gradient in Northern Italy, and under different temperature conditions in the growth chamber (from 14/18 °C to 26/30 °C, night/day), using a non-liner modeling approach. Under field conditions, traits related to plant height (maximum height, stem height, number of internodes) followed a three-parameter logistic curve. In contrast, leaf traits (lateral spread, number of leaves, leaf length and width) followed non-monotonic double-Richards curves that captured the decline patterns evident in the data. Plants grew faster, reaching a higher maximum plant height, and produced more biomass when grown at intermediate elevations. Under laboratory conditions, plants exhibited the same general growth trajectory of field conditions. However, leaf width did not show the recession after the maximum value shown by plants grown in the field, although the growth trajectories of some individuals, particularly those grown at 18 °C, showed a decline at late times. In addition, the plants grown at lower temperatures exhibited the highest value of biomass and preserved reproductive performances (e.g., amount of male inflorescence, pollen weight). From our findings, common ragweed exhibits a high phenotypic plasticity of vegetative and reproductive traits in response to different altitudes and temperature conditions. Under climate warming, this plasticity may facilitate the shift of the species towards higher elevation, but also the in situ resistance and (pre)adaptation of populations currently abundant at low elevations in the invasive European range. Such results may be also relevant for projecting the species management such as the impact by possible biocontrol agents. Full article

The animal hormone melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a pleiotropic molecule with multiple and various functions. Phytomelatonin is the melatonin from plants and was discovered in 1995 in some species. Phytomelatonin is considered an interesting molecule in the physiology of plants, as it seems to be involved in many actions, such as germination, growth, rooting and parthenocarpy, including fruit set and ripening; it also seems to play a role during postharvest. It has been studied in processes such as primary and secondary metabolism, photosynthesis and senescence, as well as in the nitrogen and sulfur cycles. Phytomelatonin up- and down-regulates many relevant genes related to plant hormones and key genes related to the above-mentioned aspects. One of the most decisive aspects of phytomelatonin is its relevant role as a bioprotective and alleviating agent against both biotic and abiotic stressors, which has opened up the possibility of using melatonin as a phytoprotector and biostimulant in agriculture. In this respect, using material of plant origin to obtain extracts rich in phytomelatonin instead of using synthetic melatonin (thus avoiding unwanted by-products) has become a topic of discussion. This work characterized the phytomelatonin-rich extracts obtained from selected herbs and determined their contents of phytomelatonin, phenols and flavonoids; the antioxidant activity was also measured. Finally, two melatonin-specific bioassays in plants were applied to demonstrate the excellent biological properties of the natural phytomelatonin-rich extracts obtained. The herb composition and the protocols for obtaining the extracts rich in phytomelatonin are in the process of registration for their legal protection. Full article

Litchi possesses unique flower morphology and adaptive reproduction strategies. Although previous attention has been intensively devoted to the mechanisms underlying its floral induction, the molecular basis of flower sex determination remains largely unknown. MADS-box genes are promising candidates for this due to their significant roles in various aspects of inflorescence and flower organogenesis. Here, we present a detailed overview of phylogeny and expression profiles of 101 MADS-box genes that were identified in litchi. These LcMADSs are unevenly located across the 15 chromosomes and can be divided into type I and type II genes. Fifty type I MADS-box genes are subdivided into Mα, Mβ and Mγ subgroups, while fifty-one type II LcMADSs consist of 37 MIKC^C -type and 14 MIKC *-type genes. Promoters of both types of LcMADS genes contain mainly ABA and MeJA response elements. Tissue-specific and development-related expression analysis reveal that LcMADS51 could be positively involved in litchi carpel formation, while six MADS-box genes, including LcMADS42/46/47/75/93/100, play a possible role in stamen development. GA is positively involved in the sex determination of litchi flowers by regulating the expression of LcMADS51 (LcSTK). However, JA down-regulates the expression of floral organ identity genes, suggesting a negative role in litchi flower development. Full article

Phyllanthus niruri (P. niruri) or Dukung Anak is a herbal plant in the Phyllanthaceae family that has been used traditionally to treat various ailments such as diabetes, jaundice, flu and cough. P. niruri contains numerous medicinal benefits such as anti-tumor and anti-carcinogenic properties and a remedy for hepatitis B viral infection. Due to its beneficial properties, P. niruri is overharvested and wild plants become scarce. This study was conducted to develop an appropriate in vitro culture protocol for the mass production of P. niruri. An aseptic culture of P. niruri was established followed by multiplication of explants using different types of basal medium and its strength and plant growth regulators manipulation. This study also established the induction of in vitro rooting utilizing various types and concentrations of auxin. Treatment of Clorox^® with 30% concentration showed the lowest percentage (%) of contamination, 4.44% in P. niruri culture. Nodal segments of P. niruri were successfully induced in full-strength of Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal media with 2.33 number of shoots, 3.11 cm length of shoot and 27.91 number of leaves. In addition, explants in full-strength MS media without any additional cytokinin were recorded as the optimum results for all parameters including the number of shoots (5.0 shoots), the length of shoots (3.68 cm) and the number of leaves (27.33 leaves). Treatment of 2.5 µM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) showed the highest number of roots (17.92 roots) and root length (1.29 cm). Rooted explants were transferred for acclimatization, and the plantlet showed over 80% of survival rate. In conclusion, plantlets of P. niruri were successfully induced and multiplied via in vitro culture, which could be a step closer to its commercialization. Full article

Water shortage is a major problem limiting the expansion of green areas and landscapes. Using seawater as an alternative source of potable water is not a novel idea, but the issue of salt stress needs to be resolved. Salinity has a negative impact on growth and the aesthetic value of ornamental plants. In order to overcome these challenges, Lathyrus odoratus seeds were hydro-primed and halo-primed with silicon (Si) and silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs), and exposed to seawater levels. Seawater markedly reduced seed germination and growth of Lathyrus seedlings, but halo-priming was shown to significantly alleviate its negative effects. Broadly, SiNPs increased the germination percentage, reduced photosynthetic pigments and carbohydrates decrease, and enhanced water relations, despite having a negative effect on germination speed. Halo-priming significantly increased the proline content and the activities of certain enzymatic (SOD, APX and CAT) and nonenzymatic (phenolic and flavonoids) compounds, that positively influenced oxidative stress (lower MDA and H₂O₂ accumulation), resulting in seedlings with more salt stress tolerance. Halo-priming with Si or SiNPs enhanced the Si and K⁺ contents, and K⁺/Na⁺ ratio, associated with a reduction in Na⁺ accumulation. Generally, halo-priming with Si or SiNPs increased Lathyrus seedlings salt stress tolerance, which was confirmed using seawater treatments via improving germination percentage, seedlings growth and activation of the antioxidant machinery, which detoxifies reactive oxygen species (ROS). Full article

Replication cycles from most simple-stranded positive RNA viruses infecting plants involve endomembrane deformations. Recent published data revealed several interactions between viral proteins and plant proteins associated with vesicle formation and movement. These plant proteins belong to the COPI/II, SNARE, clathrin and ESCRT endomembrane trafficking mechanisms. In a few cases, variations of these plant proteins leading to virus resistance have been identified. In this review, we summarize all known interactions between these plant cell mechanisms and viruses and highlight strategies allowing fast identification of variant alleles for membrane-associated proteins. Full article