Horticulturae

Research

20 pages, 905 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Growth Performance and Agrometeorological Indices of Matricaria chamomilla L. Governed by Growing Season Length and Salicylic Acid in the Western Himalaya

by Shalika Rathore and Rakesh Kumar

Horticulturae 2025, 11(5), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11050485 - 30 Apr 2025

Viewed by 1712

Abstract

German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is a suitable medicinal and aromatic crop to cultivate in diverse regions, but its relationship with weather is a major concern in evaluating the development and crop production in the Western Himalayan region. Thus, a field experiment [...] Read more.

German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is a suitable medicinal and aromatic crop to cultivate in diverse regions, but its relationship with weather is a major concern in evaluating the development and crop production in the Western Himalayan region. Thus, a field experiment was executed for two years (2018–2019 and 2019–2020) at CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, India, to evaluate the crop weather relationship studies and different phenological phases of German chamomile under acidic soil conditions of mid hills of Western Himalaya. Agrometeorological indices were worked out for four different sowing times from 20 November to 20 January with foliar application of elicitor, i.e., salicylic acid at three levels (viz., SA0: 0 mg/L, SA1: 25 mg/L, SA2: 50 mg/L). The results revealed that the number of days required for attaining each phenological stage decreased with a delay in sowing time. Higher growing degree days (GDDs), photothermal units (PTUs) and heliothermal units (HTUs) were accumulated for early sowing of 20 November and showed a gradual decrease with delayed sowing. Salicylic acid application produced a significant effect on the accumulation of agrometeorological indices, irrespective of the applied doses, and showed irregularity. Higher accumulation of GDDs, PTUs, and HTUs is associated with higher flower and essential oil yield; thus, the results showed that agrometeorological indices are associated with the production of German chamomile. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation, and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants)

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16 pages, 2504 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variations in the Mineral Composition of Houpoea Officinalis Flowers at Different Stages of Development

by Yao Yang, Mao-Yuan Zhu, Shi-Mei Zhao, Yi-Tong Fan, Jing-Wen Huang, Ting Yu, Guo-Qing Zhuang and Shun Gao

Horticulturae 2025, 11(4), 387; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11040387 - 5 Apr 2025

Viewed by 502

Abstract

Houpoea officinalis (H. officinalis) flowers are rich in a spectrum of bioactive compounds and mineral nutrients. The availability and balance of mineral elements directly impact the morphogenesis of flower organs, which play pivotal roles in various physiological and biochemical processes that [...] Read more.

Houpoea officinalis (H. officinalis) flowers are rich in a spectrum of bioactive compounds and mineral nutrients. The availability and balance of mineral elements directly impact the morphogenesis of flower organs, which play pivotal roles in various physiological and biochemical processes that drive flower development. However, relatively little is known about the changes in mineral elements composition that occur during flower development in H. officinalis. The objective of this study is to analyze the variations of 22 mineral elements contents in pistil, stamens, and petals of H. officinalis flower at four development stages. The amount of mineral elements (Na, Mg, K, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Sn, Al, Ti, Ga, Cd, Ba, Tl, Pb, and Bi) in these samples was determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results showed that H. officinalis flowers are rich in macroelements such as potassium (K, 25.80–48.06 mg/g) and calcium (Ca, 17.27–31.00 mg/g), as well as microelements like zinc (Zn, 445.17–1553.16 μg/g) and iron (Fe, 324.27–622.31 μg/g). Notably, the pistil part is found to harbor a more significant concentration of mineral elements during the early developmental stages of flowers. Correlation analysis and PCA have effectively exposed a pronounced association between the accumulation patterns of mineral elements in H. officinalis flowers and their corresponding developmental stages and organs. These findings will provide more detailed information about the accumulation and distribution of mineral elements in H. officinalis flowers at different development stages and organs, which help to encourage researchers to enhance the flower quality for human consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation, and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants)

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20 pages, 5187 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Assessment of Phenotypic Traits and Bioactive Compounds in Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus

by Yaqi Liu, Xiu Wang, Mingxin Zhang, Fuxin Li, Yaoyao Wang, Yu Feng, Haitao Yu, Yang Gu, Jiushi Liu and Weiwei Gao

Horticulturae 2025, 11(3), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11030317 - 13 Mar 2025

Viewed by 651

Abstract

Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (AMM) is a widely used medicinal plant in China, primarily cultivated in the northern regions; however, the selection and breeding of superior varieties remains underdeveloped. To scientifically assess the germplasm resources of AMM and facilitate its breeding, [...] Read more.

Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus (AMM) is a widely used medicinal plant in China, primarily cultivated in the northern regions; however, the selection and breeding of superior varieties remains underdeveloped. To scientifically assess the germplasm resources of AMM and facilitate its breeding, this study collected 33 germplasm samples from five provinces and conducted a comprehensive evaluation of their botanical traits, agronomic traits, quality traits, and powdery mildew resistance. The results indicated that, among the 18 botanical and agronomic traits, the Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H′) for quantitative traits was higher than that for qualitative traits, with the coefficient of variation ranging from 6.82% to 34.14%. The characterization of five flavonoids and eight saponins based on the established UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technique revealed that 13 compounds showed significant abundance variations across germplasms. Correlation analysis revealed that plants with robust above-ground growth usually have higher yields. Moreover, the number of compound leaflets was positively correlated with flavonoid content in the roots, whereas germplasms with smaller above-ground biomass and thinner roots exhibited higher saponin content. Based on the comprehensive scores (F-value), the top three germplasms were An-31, An-26, and An-28, which may serve as promising breeding materials. Cluster analysis grouped the 33 germplasms into five categories, including high-content and high-yield groups. Five germplasms exhibiting strong disease resistance were identified, with An-26 demonstrating the best performance in yield, quality, and resistance. Furthermore, a negative correlation was observed between powdery mildew resistance and flavonoid content in roots. This study will provide a foundation for the AMM breeding and selection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation, and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants)

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12 pages, 4521 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Three New Species and a New Record of Murdannia (Commelinaceae) for the Flora of Laos

by Anousone Sengthong, Surapon Saensouk, Piyaporn Saensouk, Kajonesuk Phengmala, Thawatphong Boonma and Phetlasy Souladeth

Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020202 - 14 Feb 2025

Viewed by 987

Abstract

The genus Murdannia Royle was recognized as a member of the family Commelinaceae, known for its beautiful and outstanding flowers, which made it highly valued as an ornamental plant. In this study, three previously unidentified species of Murdannia are described as new species [...] Read more.

The genus Murdannia Royle was recognized as a member of the family Commelinaceae, known for its beautiful and outstanding flowers, which made it highly valued as an ornamental plant. In this study, three previously unidentified species of Murdannia are described as new species from Laos including Murdannia maronea, M. rhizomatosa, and M. thyrsoidea. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, phenology, and distribution of each species are provided, along with notes on their horticulture. Murdannia clandestina is reported as a new record for Laos. These four species of Murdannia are notable for their attractive flowers, particularly M. thyrsoidea, which was characterized by its large inflorescence, enhancing its potential as an ornamental plant. The pollen morphology of these four Murdannia species is described for the first time. The pollen grains share similar characteristics, being monads, medium-sized, bilaterally symmetrical, and prolate in shape, with a monocolpate aperture and verrucate exine sculpturing. These findings provided valuable insights to support future breeding efforts aimed at enhancing their ornamental value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation, and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants)

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12 pages, 3165 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genomic Characterization and Functional Validation of Six cis-Regulatory Sequences in Medicinal Plant Andrographis paniculata

by Xingbin Lv, Hua Yang, Yufang Hu, Qi Liang, Shuyun Tian, Lang Yang, Mingkun Huang, Ling Zhang and Yanqin Xu

Horticulturae 2025, 11(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11010063 - 9 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1025

Abstract

Plant cis-regulatory sequences (CRSs) are essential for gene expression and transcriptional regulation in plants. With the rapid development of plant biotechnologies, such as transgenesis and gene editing tools, plant-derived CRSs have gradually replaced traditional CRSs, like the 35S promoter, to avoid some [...] Read more.

Plant cis-regulatory sequences (CRSs) are essential for gene expression and transcriptional regulation in plants. With the rapid development of plant biotechnologies, such as transgenesis and gene editing tools, plant-derived CRSs have gradually replaced traditional CRSs, like the 35S promoter, to avoid some negative effects caused by exogenous DNA sequences. In this study, we provided a comprehensive analysis of the published genomic data of Andrographis paniculata and identified six candidate ApACRs. Based on the transient assays, two candidate CRSs (ApACR1 and ApACR2) demonstrated high transcriptional activities comparable to those of the 35S promoter in several plant species, in contrast to others with lower activities, suggesting their further potential applications in plant biotechnology and genetic engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation, and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants)

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14 pages, 5315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Viral Diseases and Influences on Yield and Quality of Angelica sinensis

by Jinjuan Li and Ting Li

Horticulturae 2024, 10(12), 1300; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10121300 - 5 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 973

Abstract

Angelica sinensis is a perennial herbaceous species mainly cultivated in the Gansu, Yunnan, and Qinghai provinces of China, and its dried roots have been widely used for nourishing blood and harmonizing vital energy, largely relying on its bioactive compounds (e.g., alkylphthalides, polysaccharides, and [...] Read more.

Angelica sinensis is a perennial herbaceous species mainly cultivated in the Gansu, Yunnan, and Qinghai provinces of China, and its dried roots have been widely used for nourishing blood and harmonizing vital energy, largely relying on its bioactive compounds (e.g., alkylphthalides, polysaccharides, and flavonoids). In recent years, viral diseases have been suspected to be present in A. sinensis in field cultivation. In order to reveal the infection status and causes, a survey and the identification of viral diseases and their influence on the yield and quality of A. sinensis were conducted in four different counties of Gansu province. The results showed viral disease rates of ca. 21% to 37% for potato virus Y (PVY) and tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), as well as ca. 2.8- to 8.9-fold decreases in root yield on a unit-area basis; meanwhile, the contents of the main bioactive compounds (i.e., ferulic acid, ligustilide, and polysaccharides) were significantly lower in the virus-infected plants (VIPs) compared with the virus-free plants (VFPs); there were significant positive relationships of the viral disease rate with planting density and expression levels of the PVY-coat protein (CP) and ToMV-CP genes (p < 0.01). The above-mentioned observations indicate that it is necessary and urgent to take measures (e.g., controlling plant density, rational rotation, and using virus-free seedlings) to prevent the spread of plant viruses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation, and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants)

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14 pages, 4895 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing the In Vitro Propagation of Tea Plants: A Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning Models

by Taner Bozkurt, Sezen İnan, İjlal Dündar, Musab A. Isak and Özhan Şimşek

Horticulturae 2024, 10(7), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10070721 - 9 Jul 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2714

Abstract

In this study, we refine in vitro propagation techniques for Camellia sinensis using a machine learning approach to ascertain the influence of different shooting and rooting conditions on key growth metrics. This was achieved by applying random forest (RF), XGBoost, and multilayer perceptron [...] Read more.

In this study, we refine in vitro propagation techniques for Camellia sinensis using a machine learning approach to ascertain the influence of different shooting and rooting conditions on key growth metrics. This was achieved by applying random forest (RF), XGBoost, and multilayer perceptron (MLP) models to dissect the complexities of micropropagation and rooting processes. The research unveiled significant disparities in growth metrics under varying media conditions, underscoring the profound impact of media composition on plant development. The meticulous statistical analysis, employing ANOVA, highlighted statistically significant differences in growth metrics, indicating the critical role of media composition in optimizing growth conditions. Methodologically, the study utilized explants from 2–3-year-old tea plants, which underwent sterilization before being introduced to two distinct culture media for their micropropagation and rooting phases. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate the differences in growth outcomes between media, while machine learning models were employed to predict the efficacy of micropropagation and rooting based on various growth regulators. This approach allowed for a comprehensive evaluation of the model’s performance in simulating plant growth under different conditions, leveraging metrics like R², RMSE, and MAE. The findings from this study significantly advance the understanding of tea plant micropropagation, highlighting the utility of machine learning models in agricultural optimization. This research contributes to enhancing micropropagation strategies for the tea plant and exemplifies the transformative potential of integrating machine learning into plant science, paving the way for improved agricultural and horticultural practices. This interdisciplinary approach offers a novel perspective on optimizing in vitro propagation processes, contributing substantially to plant tissue culture and biotechnology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation, and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants)

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18 pages, 5315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Organic Waste Derived from Vitamin C Industry Increases Yield and Bioactive Constituents of Medicinal Food Plant Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.)

by Mingfu Gao, Zihui Zhang, Weichao Yang, Hao Sun and Hui Xu

Horticulturae 2024, 10(7), 683; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10070683 - 27 Jun 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1467

Abstract

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is widely distributed and commonly utilized as an important medicinal food plant. The application of organic matter is a frequently employed strategy to enhance the quality and growth of medicinal plants. However, there is limited research on the [...] Read more.

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is widely distributed and commonly utilized as an important medicinal food plant. The application of organic matter is a frequently employed strategy to enhance the quality and growth of medicinal plants. However, there is limited research on the impact of low-molecular-weight organic carbon on medicinal plants. This study evaluated the influence of the residue after evaporation (RAE) from industrial fermentation of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, ASA), which mainly consists of low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs), on the growth and bioactive constituents of purslane. Cultivation with different doses (2.7, 1.35, and 0.675 mL RAE per kg of soil) of RAE exhibited the highest levels of enhancement in the ASA, dopamine, total alkaloids, and total phenols content by 103.28%, 118.38%, 32.43%, and 27.64%, respectively, while promoting purslane’s growth. Furthermore, there was a dose–effect relationship between the dose of RAE and purslane’s ASA, total phenols, dopamine and total alkaloids. Metabolomic analysis revealed that the effects of RAE on pathways related to ASA synthesis, glycolysis, citrate cycle and amino acid synthesis contributed to the bioactive constituent accumulation in purslane. These findings suggest that RAE can effectively modulate the primary metabolic processes, thereby enhancing the yield and bioactive constituents of purslane. It is a valuable source of LMWOAs for the cultivation of medicinal plants. The resource utilization of RAE will enhance the production of medicinal plants, thereby contributing to satisfying the demand for bioactive natural products in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation, and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants)

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22 pages, 2338 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Response to Various Water Regimes of the Physiological Aspects, Nutritional Water Productivity, and Phytochemical Composition of Bush Tea (Athrixia phylicoides DC.) Grown under a Protected Environment

by Muneiwa Rumani, Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi, Maanea Lonia Ramphinwa, Anza-Tshilidzi Ramabulana, Ntakadzeni Edwin Madala, Lembe Samukelo Magwaza and Fhatuwani Nixwell Mudau

Horticulturae 2024, 10(6), 590; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10060590 - 4 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1791

Abstract

The influence of water regimes on plants is crucial for integrating bush tea (Athrixia phylicoides DC.) into strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa to tackle food and nutritional insecurity by considering physiological aspects, nutritional yield, nutritional water productivity, and metabolite composition. The objective of [...] Read more.

The influence of water regimes on plants is crucial for integrating bush tea (Athrixia phylicoides DC.) into strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa to tackle food and nutritional insecurity by considering physiological aspects, nutritional yield, nutritional water productivity, and metabolite composition. The objective of the study was to determine the physiological aspects, including leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence, nutritional yield, nutritional water productivity, and metabolite composition of bush tea under varying water regimes. The tunnel experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with treatments consisting of three water regimes: 100% of crop water requirement (ET_a), 30% of ET_a, and a control (no irrigation), all replicated three times. The morphological aspects were recorded on a weekly basis. However, yield, nutrient content, nutritional water productivity (NWP), and phytochemical composition were determined at harvest. The phytochemical analysis by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), coupled with visualization of the detected chemical spaces through molecular networking, indicated Athrixia phylicoides DC. to be rich in various bioactive compound derivatives, including methyl chlorogenate, flavonoids, tartaric acid, caffeoylquinic acid, and glutinane. The results showed that 30% ET_a enhanced plant growth, nutrient content, and nutritional water productivity compared to other water treatments. Nevertheless, 100% ET_a yielded more (95.62 kg ha⁻¹) than 30% ET_a (60.61 kg ha⁻¹) and control (12.12 kg ha⁻¹). The accumulation of chlorogenic acids was higher under 30% ET_a compared to 100% ET_a and control. Therefore, this study is the first to determine the accumulation of various bioactive compounds in bush tea leaf extracts under varying water regimes. This confirms that in areas with low water availability, bush tea is well adapted for production without limiting nutrients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation, and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants)

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11 pages, 1442 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Matabolomic Changes Induced by 6-Benzylaminopurine in Polygonatum cyrtonema

by Xincheng Liu, Huidong Yang, Bin Guo and Zhongdong Hu

Horticulturae 2024, 10(4), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10040327 - 27 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1427

Abstract

Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (family Asparagaceae) is an endemic plant in China that is valuable for its edible and medicinal uses. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are natural or synthetic compounds that can regulate plant development and metabolism effectively. To explore potential applications of PGRs [...] Read more.

Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (family Asparagaceae) is an endemic plant in China that is valuable for its edible and medicinal uses. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are natural or synthetic compounds that can regulate plant development and metabolism effectively. To explore potential applications of PGRs for improving the yield and bioactivity of this plant, four PGRs, including gibberellic acid (GA₃), 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA), naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 24-epibrassinolide (EBL), were used in this study and sprayed on the growing seedlings of P. cyrtonema. All of these PGRs did not significantly affect the growth rate of P. cyrtonema, but they had varying effects on the polysaccharide and saponin content in the rhizome. NAA and 6-BA positively affected the polysaccharide content, while most PGR treatments negatively affected the saponin content. Widely targeted metabolomic analysis based on UPLC-MS/MS was conducted and revealed 101 differential metabolites in response to 6-BA, most of which were flavonoids, steroids and lipids. Most of the significantly changed flavonoids decreased under the 6-BA treatment. The study provides insights into the potential use of PGRs for improving the quality of P. cyrtonema, particularly in regulating the content of bioactive compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation, and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants)

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15 pages, 3870 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of UV Stress on the Antioxidant Capacity, Photosynthetic Activity, Flavonoid and Steviol Glycoside Accumulation of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni

by Natalia A. Semenova, Alina S. Ivanitskikh, Nadezhda I. Uyutova, Alexander A. Smirnov, Yuri A. Proshkin, Dmitry A. Burynin, Sergey A. Kachan, Alexander V. Sokolov, Alexey S. Dorokhov and Narek O. Chilingaryan

Horticulturae 2024, 10(3), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10030210 - 23 Feb 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2362

Abstract

Lighting conditions are an important controller of plant growth and development, and they affect secondary metabolite synthesis. In this research, we explored the effect of additional UV irradiation of various ranges in addition to the main one at PPFD 160 µmol m⁻² [...] Read more.

Lighting conditions are an important controller of plant growth and development, and they affect secondary metabolite synthesis. In this research, we explored the effect of additional UV irradiation of various ranges in addition to the main one at PPFD 160 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ on the accumulation of some secondary metabolites of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni). The fresh weight of leaves was slightly higher under additional UV-A and UV-B irradiation compared with the control variant, and the leaf surface area was significantly larger, respectively, by 23.3 and 20.7% than in the control variant, while the rate of photosynthesis did not decrease. Plants under additional UV-B and UV-C irradiation were under the greatest light stress, as evidenced by a decrease in antioxidant capacity by an average of 30% compared to the control and UV-A. The total flavonoid content was significantly higher (by 74%) under UV-B irradiation. The highest concentration of steviol glycoside was observed during budding and flowering under UV-B and UV-C irradiation (by 13.2 and 11.3%, respectively). Analysis of hyperspectral images, chlorophyll fluorescence, and vegetation indices showed light stress increasing under UV-C irradiation, which caused an increase in the relative chlorophyll content, scorches, leaf morphology changes, a CO₂ absorption rate decrease, and plant growth inhibition. UV-B irradiation can be used as an optimal type of irradiation based on a set of indicators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation, and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants)

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17 pages, 14431 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Botanical Biometrics: Exploring Morphological, Palynological, and DNA Barcoding Variations in White Kwao Krua (Pueraria candollei Grah. ex Benth. and P. mirifica Airy Shaw & Suvat.)

by Wannaree Charoensup, Aekkhaluck Intharuksa, Suthira Yanaso, Suthiwat Khamnuan, Sunee Chansakaow, Panee Sirisa-ard, Pensak Jantrawut, Charan Ditchaiwong and Kesorn Chaemcheun

Horticulturae 2024, 10(2), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10020162 - 9 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2170

Abstract

White Kwao Krua, a crucial Thai medicinal plant, contains various phytoestrogen substances used to alleviate menopausal symptoms in estrogen-deficient women. It originates from two species, namely Pueraria candollei Wall. ex Benth. and P. mirifica Airy Shaw & Suvat. However, there exists morphological variation, [...] Read more.

White Kwao Krua, a crucial Thai medicinal plant, contains various phytoestrogen substances used to alleviate menopausal symptoms in estrogen-deficient women. It originates from two species, namely Pueraria candollei Wall. ex Benth. and P. mirifica Airy Shaw & Suvat. However, there exists morphological variation, and the taxonomic status between both species is ambiguous, making discrimination challenging. In this study, we aim to clarify and differentiate the morphological characteristics, palynology, and DNA barcoding of both species. The morphological results showed the stipule size is a phenotypic marker for the differentiation of both species during the vegetative stage. The palynological results, however, exhibited similarity. Through an examination of nucleotide sequences and neighbor-joining tree analysis, it was determined that the DNA barcoding of the matK region has the capability to distinguish between P. candollei and P. mirifica at nucleotide position 702. Specifically, P. candollei manifested a G base, contrasting with the C base observed in P. mirifica. This study concludes that stipule size and the matK gene in DNA barcoding serve as a distinctive characteristic for distinguishing between P. candollei and P. mirifica. These methodologies prove valuable for ensuring the accurate identification of white Kwao Krua for horticulturists. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation, and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants)

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16 pages, 3959 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Developing EST-SSR Markers for Identifying and Evaluating Asparagus Germplasm Resources Based on Transcriptome Sequences

by Dan Liu, Feili Yan, Changmei Liu, Aimeng Chen, Jiahui Wu, Ma Yu and Xiangyang Lyu

Horticulturae 2024, 10(2), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10020121 - 26 Jan 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1782

Abstract

Radix asparagi is the dried root tuber of the Liliaceae plant Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr., which is a major Chinese medicinal herb with high medicinal and edible value in China. The planting area of A. cochinchinensis is extensive, and there is blind introduction [...] Read more.

Radix asparagi is the dried root tuber of the Liliaceae plant Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr., which is a major Chinese medicinal herb with high medicinal and edible value in China. The planting area of A. cochinchinensis is extensive, and there is blind introduction in various regions, leading to confusion the origin of Radix asparagi and impure germplasm. This study conducted morphological and karyotype analyses on cultivated Asparagus resources from seven main production areas in China and developed SSR molecular markers suitable for the identification of Asparagus germplasm resources based on the transcriptome sequencing results. The morphological results indicate that in addition to A. cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr., recorded in the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China, there are also A. taliensis Wang et Tang and A. lycopodineus (Baker) Wang et Tang cultivated in China. All the tested Asparagus resources were diploid and had 20 chromosomes. A total of 8841 single genes containing SSR loci were identified using transcriptome sequencing of Neijiang Asparagus, including 761 SSR loci with trinucleotide repeat units. One hundred pairs of SSR primers were randomly designed from the trinucleotide repeat loci for PCR and polymorphism verification, and ten pairs were selected for identification of Asparagus germplasm resources. The genetic diversity results of ten pairs of primers in seven Asparagus-producing regions were consistent with the morphological identification. This study provides technical support for the comprehensive evaluation and utilization of Asparagus germplasm resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation, and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants)

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11 pages, 11369 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Floral Biology of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Spreng

by Bin Wang, Guangyao Ma, Suxian Lin, Xin He, Bo Chen, Haoling Li, Liangming Huang, Yun Yang and Jianhe Wei

Horticulturae 2024, 10(1), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10010109 - 22 Jan 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2335

Abstract

Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Spreng is a known medicinal plant producing agarwood. To date, studies on the floral biology of A. sinensis have been limited. In this study, the floral micro- and ultra-structures, pollen viability, stigma receptivity, and artificial pollination of A. sinensis were [...] Read more.

Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Spreng is a known medicinal plant producing agarwood. To date, studies on the floral biology of A. sinensis have been limited. In this study, the floral micro- and ultra-structures, pollen viability, stigma receptivity, and artificial pollination of A. sinensis were investigated. The results show that the flower’s development can be divided into five stages, including the flower bud differentiation stage (2–7 d), the flower bud stage (7–13 d), the flowering stage (14 d), the pollination stage (14–15 d), and the fruiting stage (15–25 d). The floral organs mainly include: 4–6 split calyces, 10 petals, 10 stamens, and 1 pistil. The anther is oblong, with four pollen sacs the pollen is round, with maximum viability 6 h after flowering; and stigma receptivity is at its best 6 h before flowering. Artificial pollination is successful in the field. These findings will provide useful information for producing and breeding A. sinensis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation, and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants)

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