Search Results (89)

The current study investigates the chemical profiling, antioxidant activities, and enzyme inhibitory and cytotoxic potential of the water and methanolic extracts of different parts (flower, leaf, and bulb) of Muscari armeniacum. Chemical profiling was performed using UHPLC-MS/MS. At the same time, different in vitro assays were employed to support the results for antioxidant potential, such as DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC, metal chelation, and PBD, along with the measurement of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Enzyme inhibition was investigated for cholinesterase (AChE and BChE), α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and tyrosinase enzymes. Additionally, the relative expression of NRF2, HMOX1, and YGS was evaluated by qPCR. LC-MS/MS analysis indicated the presence of some significant compounds, including apigenin, muscaroside, hyacinthacine A, B, and C, and luteolin. According to the results, the highest TPC and TFC were obtained with both extracts of the leaves, followed by the water extract (flower) and methanolic extract of the bulb. In contrast, the methanolic extract from the bulb exhibited the highest antioxidant potential using DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP, followed by the extracts of leaves. In contrast, the leaf extracts had the highest values for the PBD assay and maximum chelation ability compared to other tested extracts. According to the enzyme inhibition studies, the methanolic extract from the bulb appeared to be the most potent inhibitor for all the tested enzymes, with the highest values obtained for AChE (1.96 ± 0.05), BChE (2.19 ± 0.33), α-amylase (0.56 ± 0.02), α-glucosidase (2.32 ± 0.01), and tyrosinase (57.19 ± 0.87). Interestingly, the water extract from the bulb did not inhibit most of the tested enzymes. The relative expression of NRF2 based on qPCR analysis was considerably greater in the flower methanol extract compared to the other extracts (p < 0.05). The relative expression of HMOX1 was stable in all the extracts, whereas YGS expression remained stable in all the treatments and had no statistical differences. The current results indicate that the components of M. armeniacum (leaves, flowers, and bulb) may be a useful source of natural bioactive compounds that are effective against oxidative stress-related conditions, including hyperglycemia, skin disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Complementary in silico approaches, including molecular docking, dynamics simulations, and transcription factor (TF) network analysis for NFE2L2, supported the experimental findings and suggested possible multi-target interactions for the selected compounds. Full article

Bulb rot is one of the most destructive diseases of tulip (Tulipa gesneriana L.). In November 2022, rotten tulip bulbs and terminal buds were found in Songjiang District, Shanghai, China. Fungal isolates were isolated from the rotten bulbs and identified as Fusarium based on colony morphology and ITS sequences. Further analyses of tef1, rpb1, and rpb2 barcoding sequences and conidial micromorphology identified the Fusarium isolates as F. annulatum. The pathogenicity of the F. annulatum isolates was verified with Koch’s postulates. This is the first report of F. annulatum causing bulb rot disease of tulip. Full article

This study aims to construct essential information on the pests attacking Cnidium officinale Makino, which is one of the most important medicinal plants in Korea and neighboring countries. Based on the current survey, a total of 12 species were identified, including three above-ground pests attacking flowers, leaves, and stems, as well as ten soil pests attacking roots. In the vertical distribution of damaged roots, the dominant species is bulb mite (Rhizoglyphus robini) followed by onion maggot (Delia antiqua). Based on this study and the previous literature, the total number of species of pests reported to attack C. officinale is 36, including 3 on flowers, 16 on leaves, 6 on stems, and 11 on roots. We also investigated and compiled a list of natural enemies based on all available information and the current study, totaling 14 species. Parasitus sp., Macrocheles glaber, and Smicroplectrus sp. were identified as candidate natural enemies of root pests. Full article

Lilium brownii var. viridulum (Longya lily) is a widely used medicinal and culinary plant in China that is valued for its potential applications and development opportunities. The bulbs of Longya lily contain a variety of active components; volatile oil, as one of the main biologically active compounds, has been widely studied, and the stems, leaves, and flowers of Longya lily are also rich in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and related pharmacological effects, but the horizontal comparison of different organs of lily plants is lacking. In order to promote the sustainable development of resources, the composition characteristics and differences of bulbs, stems, leaves, and flowers, as well as two crop management methods (bud-removal and non-bud-removal), were comprehensively studied by GC-IMS technology in this study. Additionally, multivariate statistical analyses were used to identify the key components responsible for the observed differences among the plant organs and treatments. The research identified a total of 93 volatile organic compounds in Longya lily samples, primarily consisting of aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, and esters. If the VOCs of Longya lily are to be used as raw materials, it is advisable to choose flowers and leaves with a higher concentration of these components for harvesting. Notably, bulbs that were non-bud-removal exhibited a greater total content of volatile flavor substances compared to those that were treated with bud removal, with hexanal-D and (E)-2-hexenal-D being the most prevalent volatile organic compounds. This study provided theoretical support for the harvesting parts and crop management methods of Longya lily based on volatile organic compounds and promoted the high-quality development of the Longya lily industry. Full article

Dormancy release is an important process for improving the quality of cut-flower lily production and promoting the factory production of lily bulbs. However, the regulatory mechanisms of microRNAs (miRNAs) and their target genes during the dormancy release of lily remain elusive. Anatomy, transcriptomic, molecular biology, and transient transformation techniques involving subcellular localization were applied in our study. There were significant results showing that 0.1 mM riboflavin promoted dormancy release and floral bud differentiation and influenced the flowering time of the Lilium ‘Siberia’. Moreover, some differentially expressed miRNAs and their targets (miR395-y: LoAPS1, miR529-z: LoSPL14, miR396-y: LoCFDP1, miR1863-z: LoFBA3, miR399-y: LoDIT1, and miR11525-z: Lopgm) were identified and predicted. Exogenous riboflavin may activate primary metabolic processes and promote dormancy release in Lilium ‘Siberia’ bulbs. Furthermore, riboflavin upregulated genes related to the riboflavin pathway, H3K4me3 methylation, dormancy control, and the flowering pathway and downregulated dormancy maintenance genes. Moreover, riboflavin promoted endogenous riboflavin and acetyl-CoA accumulation. LoPurple acid phosphatase17 (LoPAP17), a pivotal gene of the riboflavin metabolism pathway, was subsequently cloned. LoPAP17 was most closely related to the orthologous genes of Acorus calamus, Asparagus officinalis, and Musa acuminata. The LoPAP17 protein was subcellularly located in the nucleus. Our study revealed that miRNAs and their target genes might regulate the primary metabolic pathway, promote the accumulation of endogenous riboflavin and acetyl-CoA, and affect protein acetylation during the riboflavin-promoted release of dormancy and flower bud differentiation in the Lilium Oriental hybrid ‘Siberia’. Full article

The lily is a globally popular cut flower, and managing dormancy in lily bulblets is essential for continuous, year-round production. While nitric oxide (NO) has been shown to influence seed dormancy and germination, its role in dormancy release in lilies was previously unconfirmed. In this study, we investigated the effects of NO on dormancy release in lily bulblets using SNP and c-PTIO. Results showed that SNP treatment promoted dormancy release, while c-PTIO inhibited it. Measurement of endogenous NO levels in the bulbs, along with enzyme activities of NOS-like and NR and gene expression levels of LoNOS-IP and LoNR, confirmed that NO plays a role in promoting dormancy release in lilies. To further elucidate the physiological mechanisms involved, we analyzed H₂O₂ levels, antioxidant enzyme activities, endogenous hormone levels, and carbohydrate metabolism in the bulbs. Findings demonstrated that NO facilitated dormancy release by increasing H₂O₂, gibberellins (GAs), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), zeatin riboside (ZR), reducing sugars, and by accelerating the metabolism of abscisic acid (ABA) and starch. This study provides a foundation for deeper investigation into the mechanisms underlying dormancy release in lily bulbs. Full article

Changes in physicochemical parameters, fruit softening enzymes and cell wall polysaccharides at four different maturation stages were investigated in two jackfruit genotypes (‘Accession 242’, ‘Accession 341’). For the first three maturity stages, fruit were harvested at 90, 110, and 130 days after flowering (Stage I, II and III, respectively), while Stage IV was determined based on the presence of a dull hollow tapping sound. The fruit edible portion and seed percentage increased, whilst the core and rag percentage decreased with advancement in fruit maturation and ripening. The fruit harvested at Stage IV had comparatively higher soluble solids content (SSC), ascorbic acid and flavonoids, along with lower titratable acidity (TA) and phenolics, than other maturity stages. Bulb firmness was higher at Stage I in both genotypes, along with higher total pectin, protopectin and cellulose compared to other maturity stages. The activity of cell wall hydrolases was higher during later maturity stages. Fruit harvested at Stage IV had higher edible portions, carotenoids, flavonoids and SSC, as well as better colour attributes, while those harvested at Stage I exhibited higher phenolics, TA, pectin and cellulose. These findings could serve as a baseline for future research related to the intended use and maturity standardisation of jackfruit. Full article

The increasing importance of sustainability in our society also affects horticulture. Ornamental plants are a multi-billion-euro business in Germany, with EUR 4.1 billion for potted plants, EUR 1.5 billion for fruit/ornamental shrubs as well as cut flowers and EUR 0.3 billion for flower bulbs, identifying potted plants as the largest stakeholder. In terms of sustainability, the potted plant branch in Germany is interesting due to its almost year-round production and cold winters. For example, a decision must be made as to whether a greenhouse should be heated all year round, possibly with fossil fuels, or whether cuttings should be imported from warm climate zones. In order to provide a farm manager with information about the degree of sustainability of their own production and to communicate sustainable production, an assessment method is necessary. As there is no comprehensive sustainability assessment system in German horticulture so far, especially in the field of potted plants, this study aims to fill this gap. This article reviews the state of the research of theoretical sustainability assessment. As the most important topics of sustainability assessment and as essential components of the framework, the system boundaries, indicators, base value, measurement level, target values, implementation, acceptance, data collection, assessment, aggregation and weighting, as well as communication and certification, are identified and discussed. An integrated framework for the assessment of sustainability in potted plant companies is developed. Full article

In order to evaluate the feasibility of using sugarcane bagasse (SCB) as a substitute for peat in lily cultivation, this study examines the effects of replacing different amounts of peat (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) with SCB on the physical and chemical properties of the substrate. The impact on the growth of cut flower and bulbs of the oriental lily variety ‘Siberia’ was investigated. The results show that the pH value, organic matter content, and reducing sugar content of the substrate were significantly increased (p < 0.05) when peat was replaced with SCB. Moreover, the bulk density, permeability porosity, water-holding porosity, and EC value, as well as the contents of hydrolyzed nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, exchangeable calcium, and exchangeable magnesium were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The bulk density (0.15–0.17 g·cm³), total porosity (64.2–69.6%), and water-holding porosity (41.0–48.4%) of the mixed media were in a suitable range. The addition of SCB led to shorter plant height, a thinner stalk, and a smaller leaf and flower diameter. The contents of total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a and b in leaves, as well as the activities of sucrose synthetase (SS) and sucrose phosphate synthetase (SPS) decreased with the increase in SCB in the substrates at different growth stages of lily cut flowers. The correlation analysis showed that, except for bulb height, other quality traits of cut flowers and bulbs were significantly negatively correlated with the pH, organic matter, and reducing sugar content of substrates. Plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, leaf length and width, flower diameter of cut flowers, as well as the fresh weight, starch content, the activities of SS and SPS of bulbs were significantly positively correlated with the bulk density, total porosity, water-holding porosity, and hydrolyzed N content of substrates (p < 0.05). The load factors of the principal components indicated that the diameter of stem and flower, leaf number, the content of chlorophyll a and b, and total chlorophyll of cut flowers and SPS activity in bulbs could be used as the core indicators for evaluating the suitability of lily cultivation substrate. In conclusion, when the proportion of peat replaced with SCB was lower than 50%, the quality of cut flowers and bulbs was the same as that found with whole peat. Thus, SCB has broad application prospects in the soilless cultivation of lily plants. Full article

Highlights: Though not highly invasive, bulb and corm ornamental plants can escape cultivation and naturalize in new areas. Studying their naturalization is key to understanding their ecological impact and managing biodiversity. Objectives: This study aimed to document the first naturalization case of Crocus tommasinianus Herb. in Poland and assess the morphological variability of the naturalized population under different environmental conditions. Another objective was to identify diagnostic features in seed testa ornamentation to distinguish C. tommasinianus from related species (C. vernus (L.) Hill. and C. scepusiensis (Rehmann et Wol.) Borbás ex Kulcz.). Methods: The morphometric studies were performed within four subpopulations of C. tommasinianus differing in environmental conditions, determined with Ellenberg indices. Multivariate tests, ANOVA, and post-hoc tests were used to determine the morphometric diversity of specimens and to relate them to environmental factors. Seed micro-ornamentation was examined using a scanning electron microscope. Results: Light and temperature were negatively correlated, while moisture, soil pH, and nitrogen were positively correlated with many morphological traits. Plants spreading into forest ecosystems exhibited better-developed features (larger leaves and flowers) than those in former cultivation sites, indicating higher survival potential. The seed coat is papillate, with distinct differences in the shape, size, and secondary sculpture of the papillae compared to C. vernus and C. scepusiensis. Given that floristic studies often occur during the fruiting period of crocuses, testa ornamentation is crucial for identifying the studied species. Conclusions: The observed naturalization of C. tommasinianus demonstrates the high morphological plasticity of plants, which makes them capable of colonizing new areas, including forest habitats. Full article

Oriental hybrid lilies, known for their vibrant colors, diverse flower shapes, and long blooming seasons, require annual bulb propagation in horticultural production. This necessity can lead to higher production costs and limit their use in landscaping. The LA hybrid lily ‘Aladdin’ has shown strong self-reproduction capabilities in optimal cultivation environments, producing numerous high-quality underground stem bulblets. This makes it a valuable model for studying bulblet formation in lilies under natural conditions. Through transcriptome data analysis of different developmental stages of ‘Aladdin’ bulblets, the LaLBD37 gene, linked to bulblet formation, was identified. Bioinformatics analysis, subcellular localization studies, and transcriptional activation activity tests were conducted to understand the characteristics of LaLBD37. By introducing the LaLBD37 gene into ‘Sorbonne’ aseptic seedlings via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, resistant plants were obtained. Positive plants were identified through various methods such as GUS activity detection, PCR, and fluorescence quantitative PCR. Phenotypic changes in positive plants were observed, and various physiological indicators were measured to confirm the role of LaLBD37 in bulblet formation, including soluble sugar content, starch content, sucrose synthase activity, and endogenous hormone levels. The findings suggest that the LaLBD37 gene plays a significant role in promoting the development of lily bulblets, offering insights for enhancing the reproductive capacity of Oriental hybrid lilies and exploring the molecular mechanisms involved in lily bulb regeneration. Full article

Pleione formosana Hayata is an endemic orchid that was once widely distributed across the mid-elevations of Taiwan. However, populations of this orchid have steadily shrunk due to orchid poaching in most of its habitats. By correlating data from micrometeorological stations that we installed in the cloud forest canopy at the study site, Yuanyang Lake (YYL) from 2017, we discovered the critical role of spring rainfall in triggering flowering and summer rainfall in promoting the growth of new bulbs. We found that rising temperatures and frequent drought events threaten orchid growth, potentially leading to pathogen infections. We climbed old-growth yellow cypresses to collect seed capsules of P. formosana for in vitro germination at YYL beginning in the autumn of 2018. Orchid plantlets were reintroduced to the study site in mid-August of 2022. However, the seedlings failed to survive the summer of 2023. This study is the first persistent monitoring of this rare orchid in the forest canopy of this old-growth cloud forest. Based on the result, we propose conservation strategies and directions for protecting this orchid on a regional scale. Our study highlights the mounting challenge to conservation efforts posed by global climate change. Full article

The global cut flower industry, including lilies, represents a highly promising investment. Therefore, improving the quantity and quality of these commercially significant flower species is crucial. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the influence of different pre-harvest chemical compounds on endogenous GA₃, phenol, flavonoids and total antioxidants levels on the leaf and petals parts of Longiflorum-Asiatic (Lilium × elegans cv. Cevennes, yellow) lily and to (2) assess the effect of these compound on the flower quality component. The study was conducted over two cycles in both greenhouse and laboratory settings. Lily bulbs were transplanted into 10 L pots and grown for 70 days. Treatments were applied by spraying twice with a five-day interval on the flowers still on the plants and not yet fully opened. The treatments included 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate (8HQS) at 100, 200, and 400 mg L⁻¹; salicylic acid (SA) at 100 and 200 mg L⁻¹; SmartFresh™ at 1 and 2 mg L⁻¹; Harvista™ at 150 mg L⁻¹; GA₃ at 50 mg L⁻¹; and a control (water). The lily stems were harvested when one of the flowering buds began to open but was not fully opened. A post-harvest assessment was conducted in the laboratory at room temperature (20 ± 2 °C). The results showed that the lily leaf had a much higher endogenous concentration of GA₃ (256%) and lower concentrations of total phenols (22%), flavonoids (28%), and antioxidant activity (14%) when compared to flower petals. In addition, the foliar application of flower preservative compounds one week before harvesting significantly improved the endogenous levels of GA₃, total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants activity, especially SmartFresh™ at rate of 1 mg L⁻¹. In terms of flower quality, SmartFresh™, at rate of 1 mg L⁻¹, and 8-HQS, at rate of 200, had consistently higher vase lives compared to the control treatment across the two experimental cycles. Compared to the control, SmartFresh™ (the post-harvest ethylene control) increased the vase life of lily flowers by 35% at cycle 1 and 31% at cycle 2 while 8-HQS, at rate of 200 mg L⁻¹, increased the vase life by 21% and 15% at cycles 1 and 2, respectively. However, no significant effect was found in the petal flower color coordinates (L*, a* and b*) across the treatments. Overall, the foliar application of preservative compounds (such as SmartFresh™) at the pre-harvest stage potentially stimulates the endogenous levels of GA₃, total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants activity, leading to better improvements in post-harvest flower quality, specifically vase life. Full article

Narcissus L. is a renowned plant genus with a notable center of diversity and is primarily located in the Mediterranean region. These plants are widely recognized for their ornamental value, owing to the beauty of their flowers; nonetheless, they also hold pharmacological importance. In Europe, pharmaceutical companies usually use the bulbs of Narcissus pseudonarcissus cv. Carlton to extract galanthamine, which is one of the few medications approved by the FDA for the palliative treatment of mild-to-moderate symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of these plants in Alzheimer’s disease. The alkaloid extract from the leaves of different species of Narcissus was obtained by an acid-base extraction work-up -procedure. The biological potential of the samples was carried out by evaluating their ability to inhibit the enzymes acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase (AChE and BuChE, respectively). The species N. jacetanus exhibited the best inhibition values against AChE, with IC₅₀ values of 0.75 ± 0.03 µg·mL⁻¹, while N. jonquilla was the most active against BuChE, with IC₅₀ values of 11.72 ± 1.15 µg·mL⁻¹. Full article

Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) can pose a significant threat to onion crops, causing leaf damage, reduced bulb size and quality, and yield loss during severe infestations. Conventional insecticide use has been the primary method for managing this pest species, but the efficacy of this approach is inconsistent. Furthermore, emerging pest resistance is a growing concern in some regions. This two-year field study aimed to assess the effectiveness of several pest management strategies in controlling onion thrips populations and limiting their impact on onion yields. The strategies tested consisted of habitat manipulations (including flower strips and straw mulch), biological control agents (Stratiolaelaps scimitus, Neoseiulus cucumeris, Amblyseius swirskii, and Beauveria bassiana), as well as physical barrier control methods (exclusion nets, kaolin, and mineral oil). Habitat manipulation techniques, particularly the use of flower strips, reduced thrips populations by up to 50% and increased onion yields by 25%. In contrast, exclusion nets had a detrimental effect on onion yields, and the other alternative control methods produced results comparable to those obtained for untreated controls. When used alone, biological control agents were not effective at maintaining thrips populations below economically damaging levels. This study offers valuable insights into effective and sustainable pest management practices for the onion industry. Full article