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Keywords = Jatropha species

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23 pages, 1565 KiB  
Article
Proteomic Analysis and Expression of Selected Genes During the Early Somatic Embryogenesis of Jatropha curcas L.
by Anamarel Edzná Medina-Hernández, Ileana Vera-Reyes, Emmanuel Ríos-Castro, Juan José Torres-Ruiz, Teresa Ponce-Noyola, Gabriela Trejo-Tapia, Adriana Garay-Arroyo, Josefina Barrera-Cortés and Ana C. Ramos-Valdivia
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(13), 6384; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26136384 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1082
Abstract
Jatropha curcas L. is a shrub of the Euphorbiaceae family with non-toxic varieties found in Mexico that holds significant potential for biofuel production and other industrial applications. However, its limited in vitro regenerative capacity is a barrier to the development of productive species. [...] Read more.
Jatropha curcas L. is a shrub of the Euphorbiaceae family with non-toxic varieties found in Mexico that holds significant potential for biofuel production and other industrial applications. However, its limited in vitro regenerative capacity is a barrier to the development of productive species. Somatic embryogenesis (SE) offers a strategy to establish a regeneration system to overcome these challenges and enable genetic improvement. In this work, proteomic and gene expression analyses were utilized to identify key factors involved in SE induction in a non-toxic variety of J. curcas. Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) in combination with mass spectrometry was used to compare the proteomes of pre-globular and globular somatic embryos. RT-qPCR was used for gene expression analysis of the BBM, AGL15, SERK, IAA26 and eIF3f genes. The globular stage showed enrichment in the pathways related to carbohydrate and energy metabolism, protein folding, and stress response. In addition, the gene expression analysis of selected genes revealed a significantly elevated expression of BBM, AGL15, and IAA26 in globular embryos compared to pre-globular embryos. In contrast, SERK expression was low, and eIF3f expression remained unchanged between stages. These expression patterns may contribute to developmental arrest at the globular stage. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating early SE in J. curcas and offer potential strategies for improving its propagation and industrial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Plant Genomics and Genetics: 3rd Edition)
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19 pages, 1580 KiB  
Article
Fungistatic and Bactericidal Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Root of Jatropha dioica Sessé
by Lizeth Aguilar-Galaviz, Jorge Cadena-Iñiguez, Dalia Abigail García-Flores, Gerardo Loera-Alvarado, Diego Rivera-Escareño and María Azucena Ortega-Amaro
Microorganisms 2025, 13(5), 1027; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13051027 - 29 Apr 2025
Viewed by 664
Abstract
Jatropha dioica Sessé (JD) is a plant from arid and semiarid zones of Mexico related to local therapeutic uses and possible use in food and agriculture as a control agent of pest organisms that helps to reduce impacts on the environment, human health [...] Read more.
Jatropha dioica Sessé (JD) is a plant from arid and semiarid zones of Mexico related to local therapeutic uses and possible use in food and agriculture as a control agent of pest organisms that helps to reduce impacts on the environment, human health and resistance by phytopathogens. In vitro bactericidal activity was evaluated with the well diffusion method in doses of 1000, 2500, 5000, 7500, 10,000 and 20,000 µg mL−1, and fungistatic activity was evaluated with the agar dilution method (500, 1000, 1500, 2000 and 4000 µg mL−1) in Pseudomonas syringae, Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium oxysporum using hydroalcoholic extracts of J. dioica root in a completely randomized design with five replications. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were recorded by the Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods. Ethanol and methanol extracts showed fungistatic activity on B. cinerea, inhibiting from 42.27 ± 1.09 to 46.68 ± 0.98 mg mL−1, with an IC50 of 5.04 mg mL−1, with no differences by solvent type. In F. oxysporum, inhibition ranged from 14.77 ± 1.08 to 29.19 ± 0.89 mg mL−1, and the methanol extract was more efficient, generating a stress response to the ethanol extract. The bactericidal activity on P. syringae recorded inhibition zones of 17.66 ± 0.33 and 16.66 ± 0.33 mg mL−1, with ethanol being more efficient. The phenol content ranged from 8.92 ± 0.25 to 12.10 ± 0.34 mg EAG g−1 and flavonoid content ranged from 20.49 ± 0.33 to 28.21 ± 0.73 mg QE g−1 of sample dry weight. The results highlight the biological activity of J. dioica as an alternative to biopesticides that minimize agrochemical applications and generate pathogen resistance. These advances contribute to the revaluation and conservation of the species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Antimicrobial Activity of Natural Products)
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32 pages, 4228 KiB  
Article
Jatropha curcas Seed Germination: Effect of Seed Imbibition, Aging, Storage, and Salinity
by Isidro Elias Suarez-Padrón, Marcelo F. Pompelli, Claudia Carlucci, Marvin José Perneth-Montaño, Andrés José Betin Ruiz, Mahmoud F. Seleiman, Majed Alotaibi, Khalid F. Almutairi, Luis Eliécer Oviedo Zumaque, Yirlis Yadeth Pineda-Rodríguez and Luis Alfonso Rodríguez-Paez
Horticulturae 2025, 11(3), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11030258 - 28 Feb 2025
Viewed by 907
Abstract
Renewable energy sources are essential to mitigating climate change, with biofuels offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Jatropha curcas, the best, non-edible, high-oil-yielding species, is a leading candidate for biodiesel production. However, ensuring a stable seed [...] Read more.
Renewable energy sources are essential to mitigating climate change, with biofuels offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Jatropha curcas, the best, non-edible, high-oil-yielding species, is a leading candidate for biodiesel production. However, ensuring a stable seed supply through effective storage is critical for biodiesel markets stability. This study evaluated the physiological and biochemical viability of J. curcas seeds stored at 4 °C with controlled humidity using 1.5 g of silica gel per gram of seed over 12 months. The results demonstrated that low-temperature, low-humidity storage significantly reduced metabolic activity, embryo respiration, and seed deterioration, preserving high germinability and oil quality. Despite a slight increase in mean germination time, seeds retained resilience in germination potential and viability. Additionally, preliminary assessments of salt tolerance revealed the potential of J. curcas seeds to germinate under saline conditions, supported by analyses of mineral nutrition and salt tolerance-related gene expression. These findings underscore the practicality of optimized storage conditions for maintaining seed quality and economic value, ensuring a consistent supply chain for biodiesel production. This study highlights the importance of integrating storage strategies into biodiesel systems to enhance sustainability and market resilience in the face of fluctuating production demands. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Propagation and Seeds)
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35 pages, 4039 KiB  
Review
Jatropha Diterpenes: An Updated Review Concerning Their Structural Diversity, Therapeutic Performance, and Future Pharmaceutical Applications
by Thalisson A. de Souza, Luiz H. A. Pereira, Alan F. Alves, Douglas Dourado, Jociano da S. Lins, Marcus T. Scotti, Luciana Scotti, Lucas S. Abreu, Josean F. Tavares and Marcelo S. Silva
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(10), 1399; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17101399 - 19 Oct 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3361
Abstract
The Euphorbiaceae family is a rich source of bioactive terpenoids. Among its genera, Jatropha is a conspicuous producer of diterpenes and includes approximately 175 species, many of which have medicinal uses. To date, 140 diterpenes from Jatropha (JTDs) have been reported. Given their [...] Read more.
The Euphorbiaceae family is a rich source of bioactive terpenoids. Among its genera, Jatropha is a conspicuous producer of diterpenes and includes approximately 175 species, many of which have medicinal uses. To date, 140 diterpenes from Jatropha (JTDs) have been reported. Given their structural diversity and notable biological activities, this work aims to highlight the pharmaceutical potential of JTDs. To achieve this goal, an extensive literature review was conducted, encompassing studies on structural elucidation through NMR and pharmacological assays, both in vitro and in vivo. Based on 132 selected papers, a thorough discussion is presented on the biosynthesis, extraction, isolation, and structural characterization of JTDs, including a compilation of their 13C NMR chemical shifts. The review also covers their synthetic production and biological effects. Additionally, an in silico analysis predicting the drug-likeness of 141 JTDs was carried out. Notably, the occurrence of macrocyclic diterpenes has doubled in the past decade, and the summary of their NMR data provides a useful resource for future research. Furthermore, 21 distinct pharmacological activities were identified, with potent cytotoxic effects targeting new molecular pathways being particularly significant. Recent advances highlight the contributions of modern approaches in organic synthesis and the pharmacological evaluation of natural products. The drug-likeness analysis identified JTD classes and compounds with favorable physicochemical and ADMET features for pharmaceutical development. In light of these findings, the use of nanotechnology is proposed as a future direction for continued research on JTDs, a fascinating class of natural compounds. This work opens up new avenues for the study of Euphorbiaceae species, particularly the Jatropha genus and its bioactive compounds. Full article
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17 pages, 821 KiB  
Article
The Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction for Bioactive Compounds from Flourensia cernua and Jatropha dioica and the Evaluation of Their Functional Properties
by Nestor Everardo Aranda-Ledesma, Pedro Aguilar-Zárate, Israel Bautista-Hernández, Romeo Rojas, Claudia Lizeth Robledo-Jiménez and Guillermo Cristian Guadalupe Martínez-Ávila
Horticulturae 2024, 10(7), 709; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10070709 - 4 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2392
Abstract
Flourensia cernua and Jatropha dioica are non-timber forest species that grow in the desert regions of northern Mexico. Currently, they are recognized as a viable alternative to traditional remedies used to address certain ailments. However, the low yields of bioactive compounds obtained propitiate [...] Read more.
Flourensia cernua and Jatropha dioica are non-timber forest species that grow in the desert regions of northern Mexico. Currently, they are recognized as a viable alternative to traditional remedies used to address certain ailments. However, the low yields of bioactive compounds obtained propitiate the use of more effective extraction techniques such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) in combination with statistical models such as Taguchi to maximize the yields of bioactive compounds. The objective of the research was to determine the optimal conditions for maximizing the yields of purified polyphenolic compounds from F. cernua and J. dioica using the Taguchi statistical model. In addition, we evaluated the total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity (ABTS•+, FRAP, and OH hydroxyl radical inhibition), and the in vitro evaluation of α-amylase inhibition and ex vivo hemolysis inhibition. Furthermore, a functional group analysis was conducted using FTIR. The optimization process revealed that the maximum yields of bioactive compounds for F. cernua and J. dioica were achieved with a particle size of 0.25 mm and 0.30 mm, temperatures of 60 °C for both, a water–ethanol concentration of 50% for both, and extraction times of 30 min and 5 min, respectively. The matrix bioactive compounds obtained contain flavonoid-type phenolic compounds, which exhibit properties such as inhibiting free radicals and acting as reducing agents; inhibiting α-amylase activity, which is involved in carbohydrate metabolism; and protecting red blood cells from damage by reactive oxygen species. Finally, the FTIR analysis allowed for the identification of functional groups associated with the polyphenolic compounds (O–H, C–H, C–C, C=O). These results suggest that both non-timber forest species are a rich source of bioactive compounds with potential for application in the agri-food and pharmaceutical industries However, it is necessary to carry out compound identification as well as toxicity analyses to guarantee the safety of these bioactive compounds. Full article
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17 pages, 734 KiB  
Review
Detoxification Methods of Jatropha curcas Seed Cake and Its Potential Utilization as Animal Feed
by Cândida Rita de Barros, Luís Miguel Mendes Ferreira, Irene Fraga, José Luís Mourão and Miguel António Machado Rodrigues
Fermentation 2024, 10(5), 256; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation10050256 - 14 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2535
Abstract
Jatropha seed cake (JSC) derived from Jatropha curcas seeds is a by-product of biodiesel production and, due to its high protein content, has been considered as a potential animal feed ingredient. However, the presence of toxic compounds such as phorbol esters and other anti-nutritional [...] Read more.
Jatropha seed cake (JSC) derived from Jatropha curcas seeds is a by-product of biodiesel production and, due to its high protein content, has been considered as a potential animal feed ingredient. However, the presence of toxic compounds such as phorbol esters and other anti-nutritional factors limits its use in animal feeding. Several detoxification approaches have been used to tackle these constraints and this review aims to summarize the recent advances in JSC treatment aiming to enhance its potential as an animal feedstuff. The review first provides an overview of the structure and composition of phorbol esters and other anti-nutritional compounds, discussing its toxic effects on different animal species. It then explores several detoxification methodologies giving special emphasis to its effects on the nutritional composition of JSC and on the use of the treated substrate as a feed ingredient in fish, poultry, pigs, and ruminants, highlighting their growth performance, nutrient utilization, and animal health issues. Overall, the review concludes that these treatments hold great potential for the detoxification and utilization of JSC as an animal feed ingredient. However, further research is needed to optimize the treatment conditions, evaluate the economic feasibility, and assess the long-term effects of treated JSC on animal health and product quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioconversion of Agricultural Wastes into High-Nutrition Animal Feed)
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26 pages, 6251 KiB  
Review
Plants from Arid and Semi-Arid Zones of Mexico Used to Treat Respiratory Diseases: A Review
by Irma E. Dávila-Rangel, Ana V. Charles-Rodríguez, Julio C. López-Romero and María L. Flores-López
Plants 2024, 13(6), 792; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13060792 - 11 Mar 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4926
Abstract
Medicinal plants have been a traditional remedy for numerous ailments for centuries. However, their usage is limited due to a lack of evidence-based studies elucidating their mechanisms of action. In some countries, they are still considered the first treatment due to their low [...] Read more.
Medicinal plants have been a traditional remedy for numerous ailments for centuries. However, their usage is limited due to a lack of evidence-based studies elucidating their mechanisms of action. In some countries, they are still considered the first treatment due to their low cost, accessibility, and minor adverse effects. Mexico is in second place, after China, in inventoried plants for medicinal use. It has around 4000 species of medicinal plants; however, pharmacological studies have only been carried out in 5% of its entirety. The species of the Mexican arid zones, particularly in semi-desert areas, exhibit outstanding characteristics, as their adverse growing conditions (e.g., low rainfall and high temperatures) prompt these plants to produce interesting metabolites with diverse biological activities. This review explores medicinal plants belonging to the arid and semi-arid zones of Mexico, focusing on those that have stood out for their bioactive potential, such as Jatropha dioica, Turnera diffusa, Larrea tridentata, Opuntia ficus-indica, Flourensia cernua, Fouquieria splendes, and Prosopis glandulosa. Their extraction conditions, bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, and biological efficacy are presented, with emphasis on their role in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Additionally, current research, novel applications, and perspectives concerning medicinal plants from these zones are also discussed. Full article
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32 pages, 5158 KiB  
Review
Myrsinane-Type Diterpenes: A Comprehensive Review on Structural Diversity, Chemistry and Biological Activities
by Eduarda Mendes, Cátia Ramalhete and Noélia Duarte
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(1), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010147 - 21 Dec 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2804
Abstract
Euphorbia species are important sources of polycyclic and macrocyclic diterpenes, which have been the focus of natural-product-based drug research due to their relevant biological properties, including anticancer, multidrug resistance reversal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activities. Premyrsinane, cyclomyrsinane, and myrsinane diterpenes are generally and collectively [...] Read more.
Euphorbia species are important sources of polycyclic and macrocyclic diterpenes, which have been the focus of natural-product-based drug research due to their relevant biological properties, including anticancer, multidrug resistance reversal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activities. Premyrsinane, cyclomyrsinane, and myrsinane diterpenes are generally and collectively designated as myrsinane-type diterpenes. These compounds are derived from the macrocyclic lathyrane structure and are characterized by having highly oxygenated rearranged polycyclic systems. This review aims to describe and summarize the distribution and diversity of 220 myrsinane-type diterpenes isolated in the last four decades from about 20 Euphorbia species. Some myrsinane diterpenes obtained from Jatropha curcas are also described. Discussion on their plausible biosynthetic pathways is presented, as well as isolation procedures and structural elucidation using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Furthermore, the most important biological activities are highlighted, which include cytotoxic and immunomodulatory activities, the modulation of efflux pumps, the neuroprotective effects, and the inhibition of enzymes such as urease, HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, and prolyl endopeptidase, among other biological effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Product Chemistry and Biological Research)
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20 pages, 1853 KiB  
Article
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Colonization of Jatropha curcas Roots and Its Impact on Growth and Survival under Greenhouse-Induced Hydric Stress
by Laura Yesenia Solís-Ramos, Antonio Andrade-Torres, Martin Hassan Polo-Marcial, Marysol Romero-Ceciliano, Cristofer Coto López, Carlos Ávila-Arias and Keilor Rojas-Jiménez
Agriculture 2023, 13(12), 2197; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13122197 - 25 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2740
Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) provide benefits to host plants by enhancing nutrition and overall fitness. In this study, AMF species were isolated from the soil rhizosphere of Jatropha curcas and were identified and evaluated for their potential in fostering the development of Jatropha [...] Read more.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) provide benefits to host plants by enhancing nutrition and overall fitness. In this study, AMF species were isolated from the soil rhizosphere of Jatropha curcas and were identified and evaluated for their potential in fostering the development of Jatropha seedlings within a controlled greenhouse environment. The first experiment assessed the interplay between hydric stress and AMF inoculation on mycorrhizal colonization. The next experiment examined the impact of quercetin on mycorrhizal colonization. Out of 204 glomerospores corresponding to 28 species spanning 10 genera, Acaulospora (14) and Scutellospora (5) were the most abundant taxa. Six new records of AMF for Costa Rica are reported. Mycorrhizal colonization was observed in 43.2% of Jatropha plants (34.7% by AMF typical hyphae; arbuscules 8.9%; coils 5.6%; and vesicles 5.4%). Significant survival effects due to AMF inoculation under hydric stress were observed. On day 85, non-mycorrhizal plants subjected to hydric stress showed a mere 30% survival rate, whereas their mycorrhizal counterparts under hydric stress exhibited survival rates of 80% and 100% with and without irrigation, respectively. Furthermore, plants with irrigation and mycorrhizas showed greater hydric stress tolerance and superior growth. The inoculated plants, irrespective of irrigation, demonstrated mycorrhizal colonization rates of 63% and 72%, respectively. Quercetin did not affect Jatropha’s growth, but there were differences in AMF root colonization. In summary, these findings accentuate the viability of a native consortium in augmenting Jatropha survival, warranting consideration as a potent biofertilizer within greenhouse settings. The AMF described can be used for Jatropha propagation programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Microorganisms and Crop Production)
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15 pages, 1666 KiB  
Article
Nitrogen Application Alleviates Impairments for Jatropha curcas L. Seedling Growth under Salinity Stress by Regulating Photosynthesis and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity
by Zhao Yang, Shuai Tan, Qiliang Yang, Shaomin Chen, Changmin Qi, Xiaogang Liu, Jiaping Liang and Haidong Wang
Agronomy 2023, 13(7), 1749; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13071749 - 28 Jun 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1569
Abstract
Jatropha curcas L. is a promising bioenergy source, and its seedling stage is sensitive to salinity. Nitrogen application presents an effective strategy for alleviating the adverse consequences of salinity stress. However, the responses of plant growth and physiology of Jatropha curcas L. seedlings [...] Read more.
Jatropha curcas L. is a promising bioenergy source, and its seedling stage is sensitive to salinity. Nitrogen application presents an effective strategy for alleviating the adverse consequences of salinity stress. However, the responses of plant growth and physiology of Jatropha curcas L. seedlings to nitrogen application under salinity stress remain unclear. As a result, a one-year greenhouse plot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of nitrogen application on the plant growth, antioxidant enzyme activity, and photosynthesis of Jatropha curcas L. seedlings under saline conditions. Experiment treatments consisted of three salinity stresses (mild salinity stress, S1: 2 g/kg; moderate salinity stress, S2: 4 g/kg; and severe salinity stress, S3: 6 g/kg), four nitrogen application rates (N0: 0 gN/plant; N1: 20 gN/plant; N2: 60 gN/plant; and N3: 100 gN/plant), and a control treatment (CK) which was without salinity stress and nitrogen application. The results showed that salinity stress substantially reduced plant growth of Jatropha curcas L. seedlings. As the salinity stress increased, the reduction in plant growth also increased. The S3 treatment had the lowest leaf area, leaf biomass, and total biomass, which decreased by an average of 70.4%, 66.3%, and 69.9%, respectively, compared to CK. Nitrogen application could compensate for these impairments of plant growth from salinity stress by promoting antioxidant enzyme activity and photosynthesis. As for mild and moderate salinity stresses, the maximum plant growth was found in the N3 treatment, with the maximum antioxidant enzyme activity, photosynthetic pigment, photosynthetic characteristic, and chlorophyll fluorescence. As for severe salinity stress, higher plant growth was found in N2 and N3 treatments, and there were no significant differences between N2 and N3 treatments. It also should be noted that the maximum photosynthetic characteristic and chlorophyll fluorescence were found in N2 treatment under severe salinity stress. In conclusion, nitrogen application could be an alternative strategy to improve the salinity tolerance of Jatropha curcas L. growth. The nitrogen application rate of 100 gN/plant could be recommended for low and moderate salinity stresses, while 60 gN/plant could be recommended for severe salinity stress. However, higher nitrogen application rate (>100 gN/plant) under mild and moderate salinity stress and the effects of reactive oxygen species under salinity stress should be further evaluated. Full article
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16 pages, 2618 KiB  
Article
Cloning and Functional Analysis of the VfRR17 Gene from tung tree (Vernicia fordii)
by Li-Yu Liao, Zhang-Qi He and Lin Zhang
Plants 2023, 12(13), 2474; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12132474 - 28 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1590
Abstract
Tung tree (Vernicia fordii) is one of the four major woody oilseed species in China. However, its fruit yield is severely hampered by the low number of female flowers and the imbalanced male-to-female flower ratio, which is a problem that restricts [...] Read more.
Tung tree (Vernicia fordii) is one of the four major woody oilseed species in China. However, its fruit yield is severely hampered by the low number of female flowers and the imbalanced male-to-female flower ratio, which is a problem that restricts the development of the oilseed industry. Previous research has demonstrated that the exogenous application of cytokinins can significantly augment the number of female flowers, although the underlying regulatory mechanism remains elusive. To elucidate the involvement of VfRR17, a member of the A-type ARRs family, in the exogenous cytokinin regulation of flower sexual differentiation in tung tree, this study conducted a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of the physicochemical properties, structural characteristics, and evolutionary relationships of the protein encoded by VfRR17. Additionally, gene function analysis was performed using subcellular localization, qRT-PCR, and genetic transformation techniques. The findings revealed that the VfRR17 gene’s coding region spanned 471 bp, encoding an unstable protein of 156 amino acids with a relative molecular mass of 17.4 kDa. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a higher similarity between VfRR17 of the tung tree and the RR17 gene of Jatropha curcas, Ricinus communis, Hevea brasiliensis, and other species within the Euphorbiaceae family compared to other species, with the greatest similarity of 86% observed with the RR17 gene of Jatropha curcas. The qRT-PCR analysis indicated that VfRR17 exhibited high expression levels during the early stage of tung tree inflorescence buds following 6-BA treatment, peaking at 24 h and displaying a 3.47-fold increase compared to that at 0 h. In female and male flowers of the tung tree, the expression in female flowers during the 1 DBF period was significantly higher than in male flowers, exhibiting a difference of approximately 47.91-fold. Furthermore, notable differential expression was observed in the root, leaf, and petiole segments of the tung tree under low-temperature stress at the 12-h time point. In transgenic Arabidopsis, the VfRR17 lines and wild-type lines exhibited significantly different flowering times under an exogenous 6-BA treatment at a concentration of 2 mg/L, with the VfRR17 lines experiencing an 11-day delay compared to the wild-type lines. Additionally, the number of fruit pods in VfRR17 transgenic Arabidopsis lines was significantly reduced by 28 compared to the wild-type lines at a 6-BA concentration of 3 mg/L. These findings suggest that VfRR17 likely plays a critical role in regulating flower development in response to exogenous 6-BA, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying exogenous 6-BA-mediated regulation of female flower development in the tung tree. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Molecular Biology)
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14 pages, 4481 KiB  
Article
Zoning of Potential Areas for the Production of Oleaginous Species in Colombia under Agroforestry Systems
by Luisa F. Lozano-Castellanos, José E. Méndez-Vanegas, Francisco Tomatis, Adriana Correa-Guimaraes and Luis Manuel Navas-Gracia
Agriculture 2023, 13(3), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13030601 - 1 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2223
Abstract
Due to the need to develop more agroforestry systems, the Moringa oleifera, Olea Europea, Glycine max, Brassica napus, Helianthus annuus, and Jatropha curcas are identified as unconventional species for their expansion under these systems in Colombia. With the Colombian Environmental Information System (SIAC) [...] Read more.
Due to the need to develop more agroforestry systems, the Moringa oleifera, Olea Europea, Glycine max, Brassica napus, Helianthus annuus, and Jatropha curcas are identified as unconventional species for their expansion under these systems in Colombia. With the Colombian Environmental Information System (SIAC) database, zoning was carried out according to the agroclimatic species requirements and optimal coverage for their production. As a result, a total area of 212,977.2 km2 was identified, mainly including the departments of Casanare, Arauca, Vichada, Guajira, Córdoba, Meta, Magdalena, Cesar, Tolima, and Cundinamarca. The species and associations species with the most options for productive expansion are Moringa (75,758 km2), Moringa, Jatropha, and Sunflower (42,515.1 km2), Moringa and Jatropha (37,180.4 km2), Jatropha (20,840 km2), Jatropha and Sunflower (17,692.1 km2), Olive (7332.1 km2), and Soybean (3586.3 km2). Of the potential agroforestry areas to their establishment, 36% correspond to herbaceous and/or shrubby vegetation, 34% to grasses, and 22% to heterogeneous agricultural areas. This research is the first step to representing the agronomic versatility of these promising species and their potential contribution to the diversification of the agri-food and agroforestry sectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Precision Agroecology)
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14 pages, 1618 KiB  
Systematic Review
Insecticidal Activity of Essential Oils against Mealybug Pests (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Miriam del Valle Avila, Fernanda Achimón, Vanessa Daniela Brito, Ramiro Aguilar, Romina Paola Pizzolitto, María Paula Zunino and María Laura Peschiutta
Plants 2023, 12(1), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010109 - 26 Dec 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5032
Abstract
Most mealybugs of the Pseudococcidae family are important pests of agriculture and ornamental gardens. Our aim was to perform a review and meta-analysis on 14 published scientific articles on the insecticidal activity of essential oils (EOs) against mealybug species of the Pseudococcidae family. [...] Read more.
Most mealybugs of the Pseudococcidae family are important pests of agriculture and ornamental gardens. Our aim was to perform a review and meta-analysis on 14 published scientific articles on the insecticidal activity of essential oils (EOs) against mealybug species of the Pseudococcidae family. Data on (1) species, genus, families, and plant parts from which the EO was extracted; (2) the main compounds of each EO; (3) the highest and lowest concentrations tested; and (4) the application method used for the toxicological studies was collected from each study. The metafor package (R software) was used to perform a three-level random effects meta-analysis. The families Lamiaceae, Rutaceae, Myrtaceae, Zingiberaceae and Euphorbiaceae and the genera Citrus, Cymbopogon, Syzygium, Cinnamomum and Jatropha were the most used among the studies. According to the results from the meta-analyses, 13 out of 24 genera analyzed were effective against mealybugs. All methods were effective, but fumigation and indirect contact were the most frequently used methodologies. The results obtained from the present review and meta-analysis could be used for the potential development of natural biopesticide formulations against mealybugs belonging to the Pseudococcidae family. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Extracts as Biological Protective Agents)
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25 pages, 4683 KiB  
Article
Ascorbate-Glutathione Cycle Genes Families in Euphorbiaceae: Characterization and Evolutionary Analysis
by Douglas Jardim-Messeder, Ygor de Souza-Vieira, Lucas Corrêa Lavaquial, Daniela Cassol, Vanessa Galhego, Gabriel Afonso Bastos, Thais Felix-Cordeiro, Régis Lopes Corrêa, Marcel Zámocký, Márcia Margis-Pinheiro and Gilberto Sachetto-Martins
Biology 2023, 12(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12010019 - 22 Dec 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3764
Abstract
Ascorbate peroxidase (APX), Monodehydroascorbate Reductase (MDAR), Dehydroascorbate Reductase (DHAR) and Glutathione Reductase (GR) enzymes participate in the ascorbate-glutathione cycle, which exerts a central role in the antioxidant metabolism in plants. Despite the importance of this antioxidant system in different signal transduction networks related [...] Read more.
Ascorbate peroxidase (APX), Monodehydroascorbate Reductase (MDAR), Dehydroascorbate Reductase (DHAR) and Glutathione Reductase (GR) enzymes participate in the ascorbate-glutathione cycle, which exerts a central role in the antioxidant metabolism in plants. Despite the importance of this antioxidant system in different signal transduction networks related to development and response to environmental stresses, the pathway has not yet been comprehensively characterized in many crop plants. Among different eudicotyledons, the Euphorbiaceae family is particularly diverse with some species highly tolerant to drought. Here the APX, MDAR, DHAR, and GR genes in Ricinus communis, Jatropha curcas, Manihot esculenta, and Hevea brasiliensis were identified and characterized. The comprehensive phylogenetic and genomic analyses allowed the classification of the genes into different classes, equivalent to cytosolic, peroxisomal, chloroplastic, and mitochondrial enzymes, and revealed the duplication events that contribute to the expansion of these families within plant genomes. Due to the high drought stress tolerance of Ricinus communis, the expression patterns of ascorbate-glutathione cycle genes in response to drought were also analyzed in leaves and roots, indicating a differential expression during the stress. Altogether, these data contributed to the characterization of the expression pattern and evolutionary analysis of these genes, filling the gap in the proposed functions of core components of the antioxidant mechanism during stress response in an economically relevant group of plants. Full article
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19 pages, 5703 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of Cytokinin Response Regulator (RR) Genes in the Woody Plant Jatropha curcas and Functional Analysis of JcRR12 in Arabidopsis
by Xianchen Geng, Chun Zhang, Lida Wei, Kai Lin and Zeng-Fu Xu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(19), 11388; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231911388 - 27 Sep 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3010
Abstract
The cytokinin (CK) response regulator (RR) gene family plays a pivotal role in regulating the developmental and environmental responses of plants. Axillary bud outgrowth in the perennial woody plant Jatropha curcas is regulated by the crosstalk between CK and gibberellins (GA). In this [...] Read more.
The cytokinin (CK) response regulator (RR) gene family plays a pivotal role in regulating the developmental and environmental responses of plants. Axillary bud outgrowth in the perennial woody plant Jatropha curcas is regulated by the crosstalk between CK and gibberellins (GA). In this study, we first analyzed the effects of gibberellin A3 (GA3), lovastatin (a CK synthesis inhibitor), decapitation, and their interaction, on the outgrowth of axillary buds. The results indicate that lovastatin completely inhibited GA-promoted axillary bud outgrowth and partially weakened the decapitation-promoted axillary bud outgrowth. To further characterize and understand the role of CK signaling in promoting the development of female flowers and branches, we performed bioinformatics and expression analyses to characterize the CK RR gene (JcRR) family in J. curcas. A total of 14 members of the JcRR family were identified; these genes were distributed on 10 chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the corresponding RR proteins are evolutionarily conserved across different plant species, and the Myb-like DNA-binding domain divides the 14 members of the JcRR family into type-A and type-B proteins. Further analysis of cis-acting elements in the promoter regions of JcRRs suggests that JcRRs are expressed in response to phytohormones, light, and abiotic stress factors; thus, JcRRs may be involved in some plant development processes. Genomic sequence comparison revealed that segmental duplication may have played crucial roles in the expansion of the JcRR gene family, and five pairs of duplicated genes were all subjected to purifying selection. By analyzing RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR) data, we characterized that the temporospatial expression patterns of JcRRs during the development of various tissues and the response of these genes to phytohormones and abiotic stress. The JcRRs were mainly expressed in the roots, while they also exhibited differential expression patterns in other tissues. The expression levels of all six type-A and one type-B JcRRs increased in response to 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA), while the four type-B JcRRs levels decreased. The expression levels of two type-B JcRRs increased in response to exogenous GA3 treatment, while those of three type-A and three type-B JcRRs decreased. We found that type-A JcRRs may play a positive role in the continuous growth of axillary buds, while the role of type-B JcRRs might be the opposite. In response to abiotic stress, the expression levels of two type-A and three type-B JcRRs strongly increased. The overexpression of JcRR12 in Arabidopsis thaliana slightly increased the numbers of rosette branches after decapitation, but not under normal conditions. In conclusion, our results provide detailed knowledge of JcRRs for further analysis of CK signaling and JcRR functions in J. curcas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Plant Sciences)
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