Search Results (717)

Tree and shrub planting is a widely used strategy to restore degraded semi-arid grasslands. Although nutrient resorption is a key adaptation to nutrient-limited environments, its dynamics at decadal scales remain poorly understood. In this study, we measured species-averaged nitrogen resorption efficiency (NRE) at both community and functional group levels, together with soil nutrients, across 20- and 40-year shrub-planted sites and a 40-year tree-planted site in Inner Mongolia, China. At the community level, green and senesced leaf nitrogen (N) concentrations, NRE, and aboveground biomass did not differ significantly among sites. However, clear differences emerged at the functional group level: Poaceae exhibited higher NRE than forbs and lower senesced leaf N than both forbs and Fabaceae. As restoration progressed, Poaceae replaced forbs as the dominant group, coinciding with increased soil nutrient availability. Notably, NRE in Poaceae declined with increasing soil nutrients, suggesting a shift toward greater reliance on direct soil nutrient uptake. This shift, combined with the production of low-nitrogen litter by dominant Poaceae species, may ultimately slow soil nutrient accumulation. Our findings highlight the importance of functional group dynamics in regulating long-term nutrient resorption and cycling and suggest that managing Poaceae dominance could enhance long-term soil nutrient enrichment and biodiversity in restored semi-arid grasslands. Full article

Parasitic infections constitute a common concern for livestock breeders, since they induce animals with various physiological, behavioral, and neurological alterations. Consequently, they negatively affect their health, productivity, and welfare, leading to reduced productivity and increased mortality, and causing severe economic losses to livestock breeders. In the context of recent interest in the development of functional animal feeds and/or feed supplements with potent antiparasitic activity, we exploited the chemical contents and bioactivities of 21 wild and cultivated Fabaceae plant species against Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis, two widely prevalent gastrointestinal nematode parasites of small ruminants. The respective results revealed that four wildly grown plants exhibit potent antiparasitic activity, with Lathyrus laxiflorus exerting the most significant protective effect against both parasites tested. This plant was also found to display the highest antioxidant potency and the richest phenolic and tannin contents, with rutin molecules being the most abundant. Moreover, the extracts of 11 cultivated species were found to display potent antiparasitic activity, while Trifolium repens, Medicago sativa, and Lathyrus sativus species were determined to provide higher extraction yields and display the most potent antiparasitic activities. Results herein are indicative of Fabaceae plants’ potential to act against parasitic infections, either as grazing plants in pasture-based systems, or as bioactive dietary supplements in intensive farming systems, eventually contributing to reductions in antiparasitic drug utilization. Full article

Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT) is a hallmark of the evolution of parasitic plants, facilitated by the haustorial connection. While mitochondrial HGT is widespread, the extent of nuclear HGT and the long-term retention of foreign genetic material in holoparasitic lineages remain poorly understood. This study explores the genomic architecture of Prosopanche americana (Hydnoraceae), a non-photosynthetic holoparasite currently specialized on Fabaceae. Through a comparative phylogenomic approach integrating draft mitochondrial genomes (mtDNA) and nuclear transcriptomes of P. americana, we identified a multi-layered landscape of foreign DNA. The mtDNA of P. americana contains 18 foreign regions (>500 bp) primarily derived from Solanales, Malvales, and Fabales. Notably, 13 of these regions are shared with P. panguanensis, indicating they were acquired in their common ancestor before speciation and ecological shift. In the nuclear genome, we identified 303 horizontally acquired transcripts (99 orthogroups) with high confidence. Functional analysis revealed an enrichment of foreign genes involved in metabolic pathways and plastid functions (e.g., photosystems and thylakoids) exclusively derived from the ancestral host order Solanales. Our results demonstrate that the genome of P. americana acts as a “molecular fossil,” preserving evidence of past ecological interactions with diverse host lineages. The disparity in HGT footprints between the current host (Fabaceae) and ancestral hosts suggests a period of high genomic plasticity followed by host specialization, providing new insights into the timing and dynamics of horizontal gene flow in holoparasitic Piperales. Full article

Background: The species richness and endemism of the species of the tribes Astragaleae, Crotalarieae, Genisteae, Indigofereae, and Loteae in northeastern Mexico are poorly documented and the systematics of these groups in the study area have not been updated according to the new taxonomic modifications proposed by the LPWG. Objective: Our objective is to update the taxonomy and to document the richness and endemism of legumes of the tribes Astragaleae, Crotalarieae, Genisteae, Indigoferae, and Loteae distributed in northeastern Mexico. Methods: This work is based primarily on fieldwork conducted by some of the authors over the past 40 years, and on the review of botanical specimens held in national and international herbaria. Results: Five tribes, eight genera, and 60 species of legumes were recorded and distributed as follows: Astragaleae, one genus (Astragalus), 29 species, and eight infraspecific categories; Crotalarieae, one genus (Crotalaria), 10 species, and three infraspecific categories; Genisteae, two genera (Lupinus and Spartium) and 11 species; Indigofereae, one genus (Indigofera), six species; Loteae, three genera (Acmispon, Coronilla, and Hosackia), and four species. Four introduced species were recorded: Coronilla varia, Crotalaria retusa var. retusa, Indigofera subulata var. scabra, and Spartium junceum, all of them with few records in the wild or cultivated as ornamentals, with no reports of weedy behavior or threats of population expansion. Twenty-nine species and two infraspecific categories are endemic to Mexico, of which 18 are exclusive to the northeastern region. Half and one-third of the recorded species are endemic to Mexico and northeastern Mexico, respectively, demonstrating their uniqueness and importance for conservation purposes. Astragalus and Lupinus constitute up to 95% of the endemic species for the northeastern part of the country. The taxa richness of legumes in NE Mexico is unique, because almost half of them are endemic to the country and a third are endemic to this region, which requires the creation of appropriate measures for the conservation of the specific ecosystems where these species grow. Full article

Medicago ruthenica L., a superior forage crop within the genus Medicago (Fabaceae), is endowed with remarkable stress tolerance and an abundance of bioactive compounds, conferring significant ecological and forage value. Existing reviews primarily focus on a single research direction, and the most recent findings are dated, failing to cover breakthroughs at the molecular level. This paper systematically synthesizes the latest research progress in five key areas: genetic diversity and genomic studies, biotic stress responses, abiotic stress tolerance mechanisms (drought, salinity, and low temperature, etc.), utilization (including genetic breeding, ecological restoration, and forage development), and future research prospects. This review addresses critical gaps in existing literature, particularly regarding advances in genomic sequencing, biotic stresses, and research on stress-associated microorganisms. Research indicates that M. ruthenica exhibits extensive genetic diversity, and its genome contains numerous positive selection signals associated with stress resistance. It can tolerate multiple abiotic and biotic stresses through morphoplasticity, physiological metabolic regulation, and transcriptional regulation. Furthermore, its symbiosis with microorganisms such as rhizobia significantly enhances its stress tolerance. M. ruthenica demonstrates outstanding application potential in degraded grassland restoration and high-quality forage production. Future research should focus on mining stress-resistant genes, optimizing molecular breeding techniques, and integrating artificial intelligence into breeding practices. That will facilitate its transformation from a regional endemic resource to a commercially viable functional species, thereby providing robust support for ecological security and the sustainable development of grassland-based livestock husbandry in cold and arid regions. Full article

Indian senna (Senna alexandrina Mill.), a perennial medicinal species belonging to the family Fabaceae, holds significant therapeutic and commercial importance owing to its rich content of sennosides and rhein derivatives, which confer well-established laxative properties. Its high market demand, however, renders the species vulnerable to deliberate or inadvertent adulteration. While previous investigations have utilized functional marker systems such as SCoT (Start Codon Targeted Polymorphism)- and CBDP (CAAT Box Derived Polymorphism)-derived SCAR (Sequence Characterised Amplified Region) markers for genetic characterization, the present study is the first to report the development of sequence-specific RAPD- and ISSR-based SCAR markers consolidated into a single-tube multiplex PCR assay. Genomic DNA isolated from young leaves of S. alexandrina and its commonly encountered adulterant species was amplified using RAPD primer OPI-02 and ISSR primer UBC-835. Polymorphic amplicons were cloned, sequenced, and employed for the design of SCAR primers, which were rigorously validated for specificity. Species-specific SCAR markers were successfully integrated into a single multiplex reaction, enabling precise and unequivocal identification of S. alexandrina, Cassia fistula and Senna sophera. The multiplex amplification profiles were entirely consistent with corresponding uniplex assays, endorsing the method’s robustness and reproducibility. This streamlined, one-tube multiplex SCAR-PCR system represents a significant advancement toward reliable, high-throughput molecular authentication of Indian senna and its closely related medicinal plant species (adulterants). Full article

Ammopiptanthus nanus (Fabaceae) is a Class II nationally protected endangered evergreen shrub in China and is endemic to the arid regions of Central Asia. To assess how contrasting ex situ management histories are associated with sequence-variant retention at an ecologically relevant gene, we analyzed a 594 bp coding fragment of the antifreeze protein gene (AnAFP) in one wild population and two ex situ collections maintained under active versus passive management contexts. Only two variable sites were detected across 75 individuals, both represented by single-base indels near the 5′ end of the coding region. The wild population contained both rare variants, the actively managed ex situ collection retained one of them at low frequency, and the passively maintained collection was monomorphic across the analyzed fragment. Rarefaction analysis indicated that the absence of variation in the passive collection is unlikely to be explained by sample-size disparity alone at this targeted locus. Because only one locus was analyzed, these results are interpreted as locus-specific patterns rather than evidence of genome-wide diversity change. Nevertheless, the observed pattern is consistent with reduced retention of rare sequence variants in the passive ex situ collection and with the possibility that a narrow founder base, together with the absence of subsequent genetic supplementation, contributed to this outcome. These results support the view that ex situ conservation of A. nanus may benefit from maximizing founder representation, maintaining sufficiently large managed collections, and combining neutral marker approaches with targeted monitoring of ecologically relevant loci. Targeted loci such as AnAFP should, however, be regarded as complementary indicators rather than stand-alone proxies for broader genetic diversity or adaptive potential. Full article

Astragalus glycyphyllos (Fabaceae) is known to be a source of flavones, flavonols, and isoflavones, and its in vitro culture may promote the efficiency and sustainability of obtaining pharmacologically valuable fractions. The aim of this study was to develop an effective plantlet regeneration protocol for A. glycyphyllos, providing the accumulation of phenolic compounds and antioxidants in cultured tissues. The results show a maximum seed germination rate (67.8%) after scarification (mechanical with sandpaper followed by treatment with 50% sulfuric acid) and subsequent sterilization with 1.1% sodium hypochlorite solution. The maximum regeneration rate (95%) was achieved on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 0.5 mg·L⁻¹ thidiazuron. A thidiazuron concentration of 0.05 mg·L⁻¹, combined with a twofold increase in iron chelate content, induced the maximum yield of total flavonoids (8.74 mg·g⁻¹ DW), and significant levels of total phenolics (4.15 mg·g⁻¹) and antioxidants (1.83 mg AAE·g⁻¹) in the microshoot tissues. HPLC analysis showed kaempferol glycosides (1.51 mg·g⁻¹) and acylated kaempferol glycosides (2.76 mg·g⁻¹) as major components. Formononetin in a modest amount (0.09 mg·g⁻¹) was detected in hydrolyzed extracts. The phenolic profiles of the microshoots and native plants coincided in hydroxycinnamic acid composition; meanwhile, quercetin glycosides were present only in in situ plants, and formononetin was found only in the plantlets. The results confirm the prospects of biotechnological methods for the industrial production of standardized medicinal raw materials. Full article

Legumes (Fabaceae) are key functional components of tropical forests due to their role in nitrogen fixation and nutrient cycling. This study provides an integrated assessment of forest legume diversity and its relationship with soil physicochemical properties across three protected areas in the Peruvian upper Amazon: the Alto Mayo Protected Forest (BPAM), the Cordillera Escalera Regional Conservation Area (ACR-CE), and the Shunté and Mishollo Forests Regional Conservation Area (ACR-BOSHUMI). Floristic studies were conducted in nine sectors ranging from 618 to 1729 m a.s.l. Soil samples were analyzed, and vegetation cover was quantified using high-resolution drone imagery with four vegetation indices derived from RGB data. We recorded eleven legume species from eight genera within the sampling plots, identifying Inga as the most frequent genus. Species diversity was highest in the ACR-CE, whereas BPAM showed lower richness and abundance. Multivariate analyses revealed that legume diversity was positively associated with higher soil pH, cation concentrations, and cation exchange capacity, but negatively associated with elevated Al³⁺ and Fe³⁺ levels. Vegetation indices effectively distinguished between vegetated and degraded areas, indicating higher legume occurrence in sites with greater canopy cover. These findings emphasize that soil fertility and vegetation structure are key drivers of legume diversity, with significant implications for conservation in the upper Amazon. Full article

Viviparity is rarely reported in species with seed physical dormancy. This is because physical dormancy, common in tropical trees, results from the impermeability of the seed tegument to water and regulates the timing of germination. Records of germination within the fruit in such species suggest greater functional plasticity than traditionally assumed. This study reports and quantifies viviparity in Hymenaea martiana seeds over four consecutive years (2019–2022) and assessed seed dormancy status through vigor tests. Sixty fruits were collected annually, and viviparity was estimated as the proportion of fruits containing at least one seed with radicle protrusion. Non-viviparous seeds were subjected to emergence tests with and without mechanical scarification, and cumulative emergence, percentages of dead and water-impermeable seeds, and seed water content were evaluated. Viviparity occurred consistently, affecting approximately 10–15% of the fruits, with no significant differences between years, indicating that the phenomenon was not associated with extreme environmental events. However, early germination did not result in seedling establishment because the emerging roots dehydrated while still inside the fruit. Mechanical scarification significantly increased emergence, confirming the presence of seed physical dormancy. These results show that, although viviparity was observed recurrently in the studied population of H. martiana, seed physical dormancy remains the main mechanism controlling germination in this species. Full article

Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. (Fabaceae), commonly known as velvet bean, is an annual tropical legume widely distributed in India, Africa, and the Americas. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine for managing various health conditions. It is renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, aphrodisiac, and anti-Parkinson effects. The entire plant is considered health-promoting, particularly the seeds. They have been used for their neuroprotective, fertility-enhancing, and antioxidant effects. This review aims to compile all available information regarding the chemical composition of all parts of this medicinal plant. For this purpose, the complete databases of Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science available to date were utilized. All studies reported the presence of a diverse range of secondary metabolites, including phenolic compounds, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins, as well as saponins and alkaloids. Most studies concentrated on the chemical characterization of the seeds, whereas the leaves, roots, and pods have received comparatively limited scientific attention. The seeds of M. pruriens are renowned for their high concentration of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), a metabolic precursor of dopamine. A large proportion of these studies originated from countries where M. pruriens naturally occurs. Few studies have been conducted on the chemical composition of velvet bean outside these regions. Despite the existing information on the chemical composition of M. pruriens. (seeds, leaves, and roots), further research beyond its natural habitat is required to gain a broader understanding of its chemical profile and pharmacological effects. Full article

Understanding the forage resources that sustain endangered herbivores under strong seasonal constraints is essential for effective habitat restoration. Przewalski’s gazelle (Procapra przewalskii), an endemic ungulate restricted to the Qinghai Lake Basin on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, persists in fragmented subpopulations facing pronounced seasonal bottlenecks in forage availability. Here, we investigated seasonal dietary strategies and forage selectivity across nine geographically isolated subpopulations by integrating fecal microhistological diet analysis with vegetation surveys and availability-corrected Jacobs’ electivity indices. Gazelle diets were compressed in early spring, dominated by graminoids (Poaceae and Cyperaceae), but expanded substantially during summer, with increased contributions from Fabaceae and Rosaceae and significantly higher richness and niche breadth. Electivity analyses revealed a hierarchical spectrum of preferences structured around core foundation taxa consistently selected across seasons, complemented by season-specific priority resources during spring bottlenecks and summer abundance. Basin-wide pairwise ranking further identified seasonal priority forage taxa with varying spatial consistency across subpopulations. These findings provide a seasonally explicit framework for identifying key forage targets and guiding evidence-based restoration and zoned management within Qinghai Lake National Park, offering transferable insights for conserving endangered plateau herbivores under fragmentation and strong seasonal resource limitation. Full article

The accelerated pace of urbanization has significant effects on the community composition, structure, regional distribution, and diversity characteristics of vegetation within urban river corridors. Spontaneous plants have strong environmental adaptability, high plasticity, and shorter life cycles; they also operate largely independently of human control. As a result, they are widely distributed throughout urban river corridors, and their ability to respond rapidly to heterogeneous habitats within these corridors makes them an ideal subject for studying the reciprocal mechanisms between rapid urbanization and riverine biodiversity. Based on a survey of 208 plots across six river corridors in Changchun, China, we found that the hydrological gradient was the strongest predictor of spontaneous herbaceous community distribution among the environmental factors examined. A total of 181 native herbaceous plant species, belonging to 55 families and 140 genera, were recorded. The Asteraceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, and Polygonaceae families dominated. TWINSPAN classification divided the native herbaceous plant communities into 11 types, with the dominant species being predominantly low-growing perennial herbaceous plants. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) ordination confirmed this pattern, showing that the community distribution from aquatic to terrestrial habitats primarily aligned along the first CCA axis (defined by water depth and canopy cover), while the second axis reflected gradients in anthropogenic disturbance and slope. Thus, even in intensively managed urban rivers, natural hydrological processes remain pivotal in shaping riparian plant community composition and enhancing biodiversity. This study provides a scientific foundation for the conservation and sustainable utilization of plant resources in urban river corridors. Full article

Plants adapted to gypsum-rich habitats often display unique metabolic specializations. This study investigated the organ-specific chemical diversity and biofunctional potential of Ebenus laguroides subsp. laguroides, a gypsum-endemic legume from Central Anatolia. Methanolic extracts of flowers, leaves, stems, and roots were analyzed for phenolic composition by LC–ESI–MS/MS and evaluated for antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities. Twenty-one phenolics were identified, dominated by hesperidin, verbascoside, and (+)-catechin, particularly abundant in stems. Stems exhibited the highest total phenolic (82.60 mg GAEs/g) and flavonoid (45.79 mg QEs/g) contents, correlating strongly with antioxidant capacity across multiple assays (r > 0.95). Enzyme inhibition tests revealed moderate but consistent activities, with roots showing the strongest acetylcholinesterase inhibition and stems the highest tyrosinase inhibition. Correlation analyses confirmed strong links between phenolic content, antioxidant potential, and enzyme modulation. The results highlight distinct organ-dependent metabolite patterns and demonstrate that E. laguroides subsp. laguroides is a noteworthy source of multifunctional phenolics. These findings contribute to understanding the chemical biodiversity and bioactivity relationships within Fabaceae species adapted to gypsum soils and provide a foundation for further phytochemical and pharmacological exploration. Full article