6 pages, 250 KiB  
Perspective
The IUCN Green Status of Species: A Call for Mediterranean Botanists to Contribute to This New Ambitious Effort
by Donatella Cogoni, Molly K. Grace, Barney Long, Simone Orsenigo and Giuseppe Fenu
Plants 2022, 11(19), 2592; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192592 - 1 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2231
Abstract
In the Mediterranean Basin, a critical focal point for the conservation of plant diversity, there has been a large increase in practical conservation actions for many plant species to prevent extinction and to improve their conservation status; quantifying the effectiveness of these initiatives [...] Read more.
In the Mediterranean Basin, a critical focal point for the conservation of plant diversity, there has been a large increase in practical conservation actions for many plant species to prevent extinction and to improve their conservation status; quantifying the effectiveness of these initiatives in reversing species declines is urgently important. In 2021, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) launched a new tool that allows the impact of conservation actions on plant species to be assessed. The Green Status of Species is a new set of metrics under the Red List of Threatened Species that assigns species to recovery categories, complementary to the classic extinction risk categories. Crucially, the Green Status of Species provides methods to evaluate the impact of past conservation, and the potential for future conservation impact, on species status and recovery in a standardized way. Considering the efforts made so far for the conservation of Mediterranean threatened plants, using the Green Status of Species would be highly useful to direct future conservation policies. We, therefore, encourage botanists and practitioners working on threatened plants in the Mediterranean area to use this new assessment tool to inform conservation and recovery programs. Full article
17 pages, 2466 KiB  
Article
The Phylogenetic Significance of Fruit Structures in the Family Cornaceae of China and Related Taxa
by Jingru Wang, Hui Zou, Mei Liu, Yuting Wang, Jian Ru and Changhong Guo
Plants 2022, 11(19), 2591; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192591 - 30 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2443
Abstract
The fruit morphological structures of the Cornaceae of China and related taxa were studied using the wax GMA semi-thin section method and other methods to identify characters useful in delimiting clades circumscribed in previous molecular phylogenetic studies. Maximum parsimony analyses of 27 fruit [...] Read more.
The fruit morphological structures of the Cornaceae of China and related taxa were studied using the wax GMA semi-thin section method and other methods to identify characters useful in delimiting clades circumscribed in previous molecular phylogenetic studies. Maximum parsimony analyses of 27 fruit structural characters resulted in a generally poorly resolved strict consensus tree, yet one whose major clades matched those revealed previously. Cornaceae of China and related taxa are recognized in four significant clades with the following fruit structural features: (1) Helwingia, fruits lack trichome, the abdominal vascular bundles are close to the endocarp, and the endocarp sclereid is elongated; (2) Aucuba, single-cell lanceolate trichomes, pericarp without secretory structure; (3) Torricellia, polygon and elongated sclereids in the endocarp, pericarp without crystal and tannin; and (4) Cornus sensu lato, the trichome is T-shaped, the abdominal ventral bundle is absent, and the endocarp sclereid is nearly round. In Cornus sensu lato, this document supported that the cornelian cherries (CC, subg. Cornus) and the big-bracted dogwoods (BB, subg. Syncarpea) are sister groups. The dwarf dogwoods (DW, subg. Arctocrania) are sister to them, and the blue- or white-fruited dogwoods (BW, subg. Kraniopsis, subg. Yinquania, and subg. Mesomora) are the base of the Cornus sensu lato clade. The number of cell layers of endocarps and the types of crystals afford sound evidence for identifying their relationship. This study indicated that the fruit structures of Cornaceae might provide morphological and anatomical evidence for molecular phylogeny. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Systematics, Taxonomy, Nomenclature and Classification)
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10 pages, 3936 KiB  
Article
Four Remarkable Additions to the Biodiversity of Chinese Mosses
by Mamtimin Sulayman, Vladimir Fedosov and Vítězslav Plášek
Plants 2022, 11(19), 2590; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192590 - 30 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2286
Abstract
Four species of moss genus Schistidium are reported for the first time from China. All of them have been found in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Ecological and distributional details of the newly recorded species are provided and their local distribution is mapped. [...] Read more.
Four species of moss genus Schistidium are reported for the first time from China. All of them have been found in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Ecological and distributional details of the newly recorded species are provided and their local distribution is mapped. Photographs of the species are attached. Checklist of Schistidium species and identifying key are added. Considering the present records, Schistidium consists of 15 species in China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity, Ecology and Taxonomy of Cryptogams)
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22 pages, 3337 KiB  
Article
Novel Antiviral Efficacy of Hedyotis diffusa and Artemisia capillaris Extracts against Dengue Virus, Japanese Encephalitis Virus, and Zika Virus Infection and Immunoregulatory Cytokine Signatures
by Zhan Qiu Mao, Noboru Minakawa and Meng Ling Moi
Plants 2022, 11(19), 2589; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192589 - 30 Sep 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2897
Abstract
Currently, there are no specific therapeutics for flavivirus infections, including dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV). In this study, we evaluated extracts from the plants Hedyotis diffusa (HD) and Artemisia capillaris (AC) to determine the antiviral activity against DENV, ZIKV, and Japanese [...] Read more.
Currently, there are no specific therapeutics for flavivirus infections, including dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV). In this study, we evaluated extracts from the plants Hedyotis diffusa (HD) and Artemisia capillaris (AC) to determine the antiviral activity against DENV, ZIKV, and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). HD and AC demonstrated inhibitory activity against JEV, ZIKV, and DENV replication and reduced viral RNA levels in a dose–responsive manner, with non-cytotoxic concentration ranging from 0.1 to 10 mg/mL. HD and AC had low cytotoxicity to Vero cells, with CC50 values of 33.7 ± 1.6 and 30.3 ± 1.7 mg/mL (mean ± SD), respectively. The anti-flavivirus activity of HD and AC was also consistent in human cell lines, including human glioblastoma (T98G), human chronic myeloid leukemia (K562), and human embryonic kidney (HEK-293T) cells. Viral-infected, HD-treated cells demonstrated downregulation of cytokines including CCR1, CCL26, CCL15, CCL5, IL21, and IL17C. In contrast, CCR1, CCL26, and AIMP1 were elevated following AC treatment in viral-infected cells. Overall, HD and AC plant extracts demonstrated flavivirus replication inhibitory activity, and together with immunoregulatory cytokine signatures, these results suggest that HD and AC possess bioactive compounds that may further be refined as promising candidates for clinical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioprospecting of Natural Products from Medicinal Plants)
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12 pages, 1712 KiB  
Article
Molecular Hydrogen Improves Rice Storage Quality via Alleviating Lipid Deterioration and Maintaining Nutritional Values
by Chenxu Cai, Zhushan Zhao, Yingying Zhang, Min Li, Longna Li, Pengfei Cheng and Wenbiao Shen
Plants 2022, 11(19), 2588; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192588 - 30 Sep 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2622
Abstract
Improvement of the storage quality of rice is a critical challenge for the scientific community. This study assesses the effects of the irrigation with hydrogen nanobubble water (HNW) on the storage quality of rice (Oryza sativa ‘Huruan1212’). Compared with ditch water control, [...] Read more.
Improvement of the storage quality of rice is a critical challenge for the scientific community. This study assesses the effects of the irrigation with hydrogen nanobubble water (HNW) on the storage quality of rice (Oryza sativa ‘Huruan1212’). Compared with ditch water control, after one year of storage at 25 °C and 70% RH, the HNW-irrigated rice had higher contents of essential amino acids, especially lysine. Importantly, the generation of off-flavors in the stored rice was significantly decreased, which was confirmed by the lower levels of volatile substances, including pentanal, hexanal, heptanal, octanal, 1-octen-3-ol, and 2-heptanone. The subsequent results showed that the HNW-irrigated rice not only retained lower levels of free fatty acid values, but also had increased antioxidant capacity and decreased lipoxygenase activity and transcripts, thus resulting in decreased lipid peroxidation. This study opens a new window for the practical application of HNW irrigation in the production and subsequent storage of crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Crop Physiology and Crop Production)
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20 pages, 1564 KiB  
Review
Nanofertilizers: A Smart and Sustainable Attribute to Modern Agriculture
by Amilia Nongbet, Awdhesh Kumar Mishra, Yugal Kishore Mohanta, Saurov Mahanta, Manjit Kumar Ray, Maryam Khan, Kwang-Hyun Baek and Ishani Chakrabartty
Plants 2022, 11(19), 2587; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192587 - 30 Sep 2022
Cited by 207 | Viewed by 18629
Abstract
The widespread use of fertilizers is a result of the increased global demand for food. The commonly used chemical fertilizers may increase plant growth and output, but they have deleterious effects on the soil, the environment, and even human health. Therefore, nanofertilizers are [...] Read more.
The widespread use of fertilizers is a result of the increased global demand for food. The commonly used chemical fertilizers may increase plant growth and output, but they have deleterious effects on the soil, the environment, and even human health. Therefore, nanofertilizers are one of the most promising solutions or substitutes for conventional fertilizers. These engineered materials are composed of nanoparticles containing macro- and micronutrients that are delivered to the plant rhizosphere in a regulated manner. In nanofertilizers, the essential minerals and nutrients (such as N, P, K, Fe, and Mn) are bonded alone or in combination with nano-dimensional adsorbents. This review discusses the development of nanotechnology-based smart and efficient agriculture using nanofertilizers that have higher nutritional management, owing to their ability to increase the nutrient uptake efficiency. Additionally, the synthesis and mechanism of action of the nanofertilizers are discussed, along with the different types of fertilizers that are currently available. Furthermore, sustainable agriculture can be realised by the targeted delivery and controlled release of nutrients through the application of nanoscale active substances. This paper emphasises the successful development and safe application of nanotechnology in agriculture; however, certain basic concerns and existing gaps in research need to be addressed and resolved. Full article
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16 pages, 3829 KiB  
Article
Exogenous Glutathione Promotes the Proliferation of Pinus koraiensis Embryonic Cells and the Synthesis of Glutathione and Ascorbic Acid
by Fang Gao, Yujie Shi, Ruirui Wang, Iraida Nikolaevna Tretyakova, Alexander Mikhaylovich Nosov, Hailong Shen and Ling Yang
Plants 2022, 11(19), 2586; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192586 - 30 Sep 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2190
Abstract
Somatic embryogenesis (SE), which leads to the formation of embryonic callus (EC) tissue, is the most promising method for large-scale production and selective breeding of woody plants. However, in many species, SE suffers from low proliferation rates, hindering the production of improved plant [...] Read more.
Somatic embryogenesis (SE), which leads to the formation of embryonic callus (EC) tissue, is the most promising method for large-scale production and selective breeding of woody plants. However, in many species, SE suffers from low proliferation rates, hindering the production of improved plant materials. One way of improving proliferation rates is achieved by improving the redox status of the culture medium. In this study, we investigated the effects of exogenous glutathione (GSH) and L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO, the inhibitor of glutathione synthase) on the EC proliferation rate in Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis), using cell lines with both high (F: 001#-001) and low (S: 001#-010) proliferation potential. We found that exogenous GSH promoted cell proliferation in both cell lines, while exogenous BSO inhibited proliferation in both cell lines. At 35 d with exogenous GSH treatment, the fresh weight of F and S cell lines increased by 35.48% and 48.39%, respectively, compared with the control. The exogenous application of GSH increased the intracellular levels of GSH, total GSH (T-GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), ascorbic acid (ASA), total ASA (T-ASA), and the ratios of GSH:T-GSH and ASA:T-ASA in both F and S cell lines. Furthermore, exogenous GSH increased the activity of both glutathione reductase (GR) and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) while decreasing the activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in both cell lines. It appears that the application of exogenous GSH promotes a reducing cultural environment, which is conducive to EC proliferation in Korean pine. By helping to reveal the mechanism whereby GSH regulates redox homeostasis in Korean pine EC cells, we have laid the foundation for a large-scale breeding of Korean pine somatic embryogenesis technology system. Full article
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17 pages, 3541 KiB  
Article
Agro-Morphological and Cytogenetic Characterization of Colchicine-Induced Tetraploid Plants of Polemonium caeruleum L. (Polemoniaceae)
by Tatiana E. Samatadze, Olga Yu. Yurkevich, Firdaus M. Khazieva, Irina V. Basalaeva, Elena A. Konyaeva, Alla E. Burova, Svyatoslav A. Zoshchuk, Alexander I. Morozov, Alexandra V. Amosova and Olga V. Muravenko
Plants 2022, 11(19), 2585; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192585 - 30 Sep 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3272
Abstract
Polemonium caeruleum L. (Polemoniaceae) is a valuable medicinal herb with a wide spectrum of biological activities. Under natural conditions, the productivity of this species is rather low. In this study, colchicine-induced tetraploid plants (2n = 4x = 36) of P. caeruleum were obtained, [...] Read more.
Polemonium caeruleum L. (Polemoniaceae) is a valuable medicinal herb with a wide spectrum of biological activities. Under natural conditions, the productivity of this species is rather low. In this study, colchicine-induced tetraploid plants (2n = 4x = 36) of P. caeruleum were obtained, and for the first time, their morphological and cytogenetic characterization was performed. In the tetraploid plants, raw material productivity and also the content of triterpene saponins were significantly higher than in the control diploids. The analysis of chromosome behavior at meiosis and FISH chromosome mapping of 45S and 5S rDNA generally demonstrated stability of both genomes in the tetraploid plants. Based on chromosome morphology and distribution patterns of the studied molecular cytogenetic markers, all chromosome pairs in karyotypes were identified, and chromosome karyograms and idiograms of P. caeruleum were constructed. The revealed specific microdiagnostic characteristics of P. caeruleum (strongly sinuous cells and anomocytic stomata of the leaf epidermis, and also glandular hairs along the veins) could be useful for raw material identification. In the obtained tetraploids, the predominance of large stomata on the lower leaf epidermis was determined. The studied tetraploids can be used in various breeding programs to obtain high-quality pharmaceutical raw materials of P. caeruleum. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cytogenetics and Agronomic Traits of Crops)
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30 pages, 4546 KiB  
Article
A Multigene Phylogeny of Native American Hawkweeds (Hieracium Subgen. Chionoracium, Cichorieae, Asteraceae): Origin, Speciation Patterns, and Migration Routes
by Judith Fehrer, Yann J. K. Bertrand, Matthias Hartmann, Petra Caklová, Jiřina Josefiová, Siegfried Bräutigam and Jindřich Chrtek
Plants 2022, 11(19), 2584; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192584 - 30 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2812
Abstract
Native American hawkweeds are mainly mountainous species that are distributed all over the New World. They are severely understudied with respect to their origin, colonization of the vast distribution area, and species relationships. Here, we attempt to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the [...] Read more.
Native American hawkweeds are mainly mountainous species that are distributed all over the New World. They are severely understudied with respect to their origin, colonization of the vast distribution area, and species relationships. Here, we attempt to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the group by applying seven molecular markers (plastid, nuclear ribosomal and low-copy genes). Phylogenetic analyses revealed that Chionoracium is a subgenus of the mainly Eurasian genus Hieracium, which originated from eastern European hawkweeds about 1.58–2.24 million years ago. Plastid DNA suggested a single origin of all Chionoracium species. They colonized the New World via Beringia and formed several distinct lineages in North America. Via one Central American lineage, the group colonized South America and radiated into more than a hundred species within about 0.8 million years, long after the closure of the Isthmus of Panama and the most recent uplift of the Andes. Despite some incongruences shown by different markers, most of them revealed the same crown groups of closely related taxa, which were, however, largely in conflict with traditional sectional classifications. We provide a basic framework for further elucidation of speciation patterns. A thorough taxonomic revision of Hieracium subgen. Chionoracium is recommended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Evolution of Asteraceae)
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23 pages, 5497 KiB  
Article
The Structural, Biological, and In-Silico Profiling of Novel Capryloyl Tetra-Glucoside and Aliphatic Ester Constituents from the Abutilon indicum Offers New Perspectives on the Treatment of Pain and Inflammation
by Shadma Wahab, Abdulrhman Alsayari, Abdullatif Bin Muhsinah, Dalia Almaghaslah, Anzarul Haque, Mohammad Khalid, Sulaiman Mohammed Alnasser, Faizul Azam and Md. Sarfaraj Hussain
Plants 2022, 11(19), 2583; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192583 - 30 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2411
Abstract
Abutilon indicum L. (Malvaceae), more often referred to as Peeli booti, Kanghi, and Kakhi, is a perennial shrub found in many countries of Asia. Traditionally, this plant is used as a diuretic to treat inflammation, discomfort, urethral infections, and gout. Inflammation and pain [...] Read more.
Abutilon indicum L. (Malvaceae), more often referred to as Peeli booti, Kanghi, and Kakhi, is a perennial shrub found in many countries of Asia. Traditionally, this plant is used as a diuretic to treat inflammation, discomfort, urethral infections, and gout. Inflammation and pain are key topics of interest for researchers throughout the globe, since they are linked to almost every illness that could affect humans or animals. The present study was conducted to isolate the phytoconstituents from the methanolic extract of Abutilon indicum collected from the Bihar state Koshi river belt in India, and to evaluate the isolated phytoconstituents’ ability to reduce nociception and inflammation. Furthermore, molecular docking was performed to investigate the molecular interaction profile, with possible therapeutic targets for anti-inflammatory medicines. A. indicum methanolic extract yielded two novel phytocompounds identified as 5′-hydroxyhexyl n-hexadecanoate (AB-01) and n-octanoyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(2′-1′′)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(2′′-1′′′)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(2′′′-1′′′′)-β-D-glucopyranoside (AB-05), together with three previously recognized phytocompounds such as ester glucoside. All isolated molecules were tested for the efficacy of analgesic and anti-inflammatory characteristics at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg body weight. The isolated compound’s molecular interaction profile with anti-inflammatory drug targets cyclooxygenase-2 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha possessed high potential energy in molecular docking. These findings may aid in developing anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs from A. indicum. Full article
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21 pages, 1356 KiB  
Article
Amplified Drought Alters Leaf Litter Metabolome, Slows Down Litter Decomposition, and Modifies Home Field (Dis)Advantage in Three Mediterranean Forests
by Elodie Quer, Susana Pereira, Thomas Michel, Mathieu Santonja, Thierry Gauquelin, Guillaume Simioni, Jean-Marc Ourcival, Richard Joffre, Jean-Marc Limousin, Adriane Aupic-Samain, Caroline Lecareux, Sylvie Dupouyet, Jean-Philippe Orts, Anne Bousquet-Mélou, Raphaël Gros, Marketa Sagova-Mareckova, Jan Kopecky, Catherine Fernandez and Virginie Baldy
Plants 2022, 11(19), 2582; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192582 - 30 Sep 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3368
Abstract
In Mediterranean ecosystems, the projected rainfall reduction of up to 30% may alter plant–soil interactions, particularly litter decomposition and Home Field Advantage (HFA). We set up a litter transplant experiment in the three main forests encountered in the northern part of the Medi-terranean [...] Read more.
In Mediterranean ecosystems, the projected rainfall reduction of up to 30% may alter plant–soil interactions, particularly litter decomposition and Home Field Advantage (HFA). We set up a litter transplant experiment in the three main forests encountered in the northern part of the Medi-terranean Basin (dominated by either Quercus ilex, Quercus pubescens, or Pinus halepensis) equipped with a rain exclusion device, allowing an increase in drought either throughout the year or concentrated in spring and summer. Senescent leaves and needles were collected under two precipitation treatments (natural and amplified drought plots) at their “home” forest and were left to decompose in the forest of origin and in other forests under both drought conditions. MS-based metabolomic analysis of litter extracts combined with multivariate data analysis enabled us to detect modifications in the composition of litter specialized metabolites, following amplified drought treatment. Amplified drought altered litter quality and metabolomes, directly slowed down litter decomposition, and induced a loss of home field (dis)advantage. No indirect effect mediated by a change in litter quality on decomposition was observed. These results may suggest major alterations of plant–soil interactions in Mediterranean forests under amplified drought conditions. Full article
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13 pages, 3358 KiB  
Article
Effective Methods Based on Distinct Learning Principles for the Analysis of Hyperspectral Images to Detect Black Sigatoka Disease
by Jorge Ugarte Fajardo, María Maridueña-Zavala, Juan Cevallos-Cevallos and Daniel Ochoa Donoso
Plants 2022, 11(19), 2581; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192581 - 30 Sep 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3091
Abstract
Current chemical methods used to control plant diseases cause a negative impact on the environment and increase production costs. Accurate and early detection is vital for designing effective protection strategies for crops. We evaluate advanced distributed edge intelligence techniques with distinct learning principles [...] Read more.
Current chemical methods used to control plant diseases cause a negative impact on the environment and increase production costs. Accurate and early detection is vital for designing effective protection strategies for crops. We evaluate advanced distributed edge intelligence techniques with distinct learning principles for early black sigatoka disease detection using hyperspectral imaging. We discuss the learning features of the techniques used, which will help researchers improve their understanding of the required data conditions and identify a method suitable for their research needs. A set of hyperspectral images of banana leaves inoculated with a conidial suspension of black sigatoka fungus (Pseudocercospora fijiensis) was used to train and validate machine learning models. Support vector machine (SVM), multilayer perceptron (MLP), neural networks, N-way partial least square–discriminant analysis (NPLS-DA), and partial least square–penalized logistic regression (PLS-PLR) were selected due to their high predictive power. The metrics of AUC, precision, sensitivity, prediction, and F1 were used for the models’ evaluation. The experimental results show that the PLS-PLR, SVM, and MLP models allow for the successful detection of black sigatoka disease with high accuracy, which positions them as robust and highly reliable HSI classification methods for the early detection of plant disease and can be used to assess chemical and biological control of phytopathogens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Protection and Biotic Interactions)
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21 pages, 3064 KiB  
Review
An Insight into Animal Glutamate Receptors Homolog of Arabidopsis thaliana and Their Potential Applications—A Review
by Ruphi Naz, Andleeb Khan, Badrah S. Alghamdi, Ghulam Md Ashraf, Maimonah Alghanmi, Altaf Ahmad, Sheikh Shanawaz Bashir and Qazi Mohd Rizwanul Haq
Plants 2022, 11(19), 2580; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192580 - 30 Sep 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3278
Abstract
Most excitatory impulses received by neurons are mediated by ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs). These receptors are located at the apex and play an important role in memory, neuronal development, and synaptic plasticity. These receptors are ligand-dependent ion channels that allow a wide range [...] Read more.
Most excitatory impulses received by neurons are mediated by ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs). These receptors are located at the apex and play an important role in memory, neuronal development, and synaptic plasticity. These receptors are ligand-dependent ion channels that allow a wide range of cations to pass through. Glutamate, a neurotransmitter, activates three central ionotropic receptors: N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA), -amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA), and kainic acid (KA). According to the available research, excessive glutamate release causes neuronal cell death and promotes neurodegenerative disorders. Arabidopsis thaliana contains 20 glutamate receptor genes (AtGluR) comparable to the human ionotropic glutamate (iGluRs) receptor. Many studies have proved that AtGL-rec genes are involved in a number of plant growth and physiological activities, such as in the germination of seeds, roots, abiotic and biotic stress, and cell signaling, which clarify the place of these genes in plant biology. In spite of these, the iGluRs, Arabidopsis glutamate receptors (AtGluR), is associated with the ligand binding activity, which confirms the evolutionary relationship between animal and plant glutamate receptors. Along with the above activities, the impact of mammalian agonists and antagonists on Arabidopsis suggests a correlation between plant and animal glutamate receptors. In addition, these glutamate receptors (plant/animal) are being utilized for the early detection of neurogenerative diseases using the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) approach. However, a number of scientific laboratories and institutes are consistently working on glutamate receptors with different aspects. Currently, we are also focusing on Arabidopsis glutamate receptors. The current review is focused on updating knowledge on AtGluR genes, their evolution, functions, and expression, and as well as in comparison with iGluRs. Furthermore, a high throughput approach based on FRET nanosensors developed for understanding neurotransmitter signaling in animals and plants via glutamate receptors has been discussed. The updated information will aid in the future comprehension of the complex molecular dynamics of glutamate receptors and the exploration of new facts in plant/animal biology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Trends in Genomics and Transcriptomics of Field Crops)
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11 pages, 839 KiB  
Article
The Pattern of Rare Earth Elements Like a Possible Helpful Tool in Traceability and Geographical Characterization of the Soil-Olive System (Olea europaea L.)
by Marcella Barbera, Filippo Saiano, Livia Tutone, Roberto Massenti and Antonino Pisciotta
Plants 2022, 11(19), 2579; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192579 - 30 Sep 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1961
Abstract
The identification of a product, with its geographical origin, is a guaranty of the value of the foodstuff and protection from potential fraud. Extra virgin olive oil is produced or marketed as a single variety or a blend of two or more cultivars, [...] Read more.
The identification of a product, with its geographical origin, is a guaranty of the value of the foodstuff and protection from potential fraud. Extra virgin olive oil is produced or marketed as a single variety or a blend of two or more cultivars, often of different geographic origins. Therefore, to study a possible link between the soil and olive oil, we accounted crucial to analyse the behaviour of olive of different cultivars. We studied Rare Earth Elements (REE) amounts and their relationship to trace their distribution from soil to the olive pulp (Olea europea L.). The results obtained pointed out that the different cultivars of Olea did not drive significant differences in reciprocal ratios of REE in the uptake from the soil up to olive (except for Eu). However soil-plant Rare Earth relationships depend exclusively on the soil REE composition. This method can be the starting point to enforcing the laws, in fact, it is important to develop analytical methods to measure the authenticity of the samples, and to verify the geographical origin even when olive oil is blended. Full article
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19 pages, 887 KiB  
Review
Phytochemistry, Biological and Pharmacological Activities of the Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) Lag: A Systematic Review
by Hanane Elazzouzi, Kamal Fadili, Ali Cherrat, Smail Amalich, Nadia Zekri, Hannou Zerkani, Imane Tagnaout, Christophe Hano, Jose M. Lorenzo and Touria Zair
Plants 2022, 11(19), 2578; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192578 - 30 Sep 2022
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 6256
Abstract
Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) (Asteraceae) is an important annual medicinal herb and is widespread in Morocco and Algeria. Most of its parts are used in traditional medicine and the roots are the most important parts used. The present review gives an account of the [...] Read more.
Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) (Asteraceae) is an important annual medicinal herb and is widespread in Morocco and Algeria. Most of its parts are used in traditional medicine and the roots are the most important parts used. The present review gives an account of the updated information on its phytochemical and pharmacological properties. We have collected the essential characteristics and the different scientific data of the A. pyrethrum species, and reviewed its potential. It is seen from the literature that A. pyrethrum is a rich source of the phytochemical constituents such as alkaloids (pellitorin) and n-alkylamides. This species also contains pyrethrins, sesamin, traces of essential oils and a wide range of other chemical compounds. These active substances possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. The plant has an antidiabetic, insecticidal and immunostimulatory effect, as well as an aphrodisiac and antioxidant potentials, and various other important medicinal properties. Many traditional uses are also reported in previous research such as for rheumatism, sciatica, colds, neuralgia and paralysis. This species is considered to be a sialagogue, and used in the treatment of stomach ailments, diseases of inflammation of the mouth, against cysts in the genital tract and to relieve toothaches. Thus, further research must be carried out in order to establish any relationship between the traditional uses, phytochemistry and toxicity. Moreover, A. pyrethrum is quite promising as a medicinal agent, so further clinical trials should be performed to prove its efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valuable Sources of Bioactive Natural Products from Plants)
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