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Keywords = succulent plant

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22 pages, 2291 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Soil Cover Thickness on Leaf Functional Traits of Vine Plants in Mining Areas Depend on Soil Enzyme Activities and Nutrient Cycling
by Ren Liu, Yun Sun, Zongming Cai, Ping He, Yunxia Song, Longhua Yu, Huacong Zhang and Yueqiao Li
Plants 2025, 14(14), 2225; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14142225 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 314
Abstract
Understanding the interplay between plant leaf functional traits and plant and soil factors under different soil thicknesses is significant for quantifying the interaction between plant growth and the environment. However, in the context of ecological restoration of vegetation in mining areas, there has [...] Read more.
Understanding the interplay between plant leaf functional traits and plant and soil factors under different soil thicknesses is significant for quantifying the interaction between plant growth and the environment. However, in the context of ecological restoration of vegetation in mining areas, there has been a lot of research on trees, shrubs, and grasses, but the characteristics and correlations of leaf functional traits of vines have not been fully studied to a large extent. Here, we report the differences in leaf functional traits of six vine plants (Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Pueraria lobata, Hedera nepalensis, Campsis grandiflora, Mucuna sempervirens, and Parthenocissus tricuspidata) with distinct growth forms in different soil cover thicknesses (20 cm, 40 cm, and 60 cm). In addition, soil factor indicators under different soil cover thicknesses were measured to elucidate the linkages between leaf functional traits of vine plants and soil factors. We found that P. lobata showed a resource acquisition strategy, while H. nepalensis demonstrated a resource conservation strategy. C. grandiflora and P. tricuspidata shifted toward more conservative resource allocation strategies as the soil cover thickness increased, whereas M. sempervirens showed the opposite trend. In the plant trait–trait relationships, there were synergistic associations between specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf nitrogen content (LNC); leaf moisture content (LMC) and leaf nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratio (LN/P); and leaf specific dry weight (LSW), leaf succulence degree (LSD), and leaf dry matter content (LDMC). Trade-offs were observed between SLA and LSW, LSD, and LDMC; between leaf phosphorus content (LPC) and LN/P; and between LMC, LSW, and LDMC. In the plant trait–environment relationships, soil nutrients (pH, soil total phosphorus content (STP), and soil ammonium nitrogen content (SAN)) and soil enzyme activities (cellulase (CB), leucine aminopeptidase (LAP), enzyme C/N activity ratio, and enzyme N/P activity ratio) were identified as the primary drivers of variation in leaf functional traits. Interestingly, nitrogen deficiency constrained the growth of vine plants in the mining area. Our study revealed that the responses of leaf functional traits of different vines under different soil thicknesses have significant species specificity, and each vine shows different resource acquisition and conservation strategies. Furthermore, soil cover thickness primarily influences plant functional traits by directly affecting soil enzyme activities and nutrients. However, the pathways through which soil thickness impacts these traits differ among various functional traits. Our findings provide a theoretical basis and practical reference for selecting vine plants and optimizing soil cover techniques for ecological restoration in mining areas. Full article
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26 pages, 14660 KiB  
Article
Succulent-YOLO: Smart UAV-Assisted Succulent Farmland Monitoring with CLIP-Based YOLOv10 and Mamba Computer Vision
by Hui Li, Fan Zhao, Feng Xue, Jiaqi Wang, Yongying Liu, Yijia Chen, Qingyang Wu, Jianghan Tao, Guocheng Zhang, Dianhan Xi, Jundong Chen and Hill Hiroki Kobayashi
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(13), 2219; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17132219 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 547
Abstract
Recent advances in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology combined with deep learning techniques have greatly improved agricultural monitoring. However, accurately processing images at low resolutions remains challenging for precision cultivation of succulents. To address this issue, this study proposes a novel method that [...] Read more.
Recent advances in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology combined with deep learning techniques have greatly improved agricultural monitoring. However, accurately processing images at low resolutions remains challenging for precision cultivation of succulents. To address this issue, this study proposes a novel method that combines cutting-edge super-resolution reconstruction (SRR) techniques with object detection and then applies the above model in a unified drone framework to achieve large-scale, reliable monitoring of succulent plants. Specifically, we introduce MambaIR, an innovative SRR method leveraging selective state-space models, significantly improving the quality of UAV-captured low-resolution imagery (achieving a PSNR of 23.83 dB and an SSIM of 79.60%) and surpassing current state-of-the-art approaches. Additionally, we develop Succulent-YOLO, a customized target detection model optimized for succulent image classification, achieving a mean average precision (mAP@50) of 87.8% on high-resolution images. The integrated use of MambaIR and Succulent-YOLO achieves an mAP@50 of 85.1% when tested on enhanced super-resolution images, closely approaching the performance on original high-resolution images. Through extensive experimentation supported by Grad-CAM visualization, our method effectively captures critical features of succulents, identifying the best trade-off between resolution enhancement and computational demands. By overcoming the limitations associated with low-resolution UAV imagery in agricultural monitoring, this solution provides an effective, scalable approach for evaluating succulent plant growth. Addressing image-quality issues further facilitates informed decision-making, reducing technical challenges. Ultimately, this study provides a robust foundation for expanding the practical use of UAVs and artificial intelligence in precision agriculture, promoting sustainable farming practices through advanced remote sensing technologies. Full article
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27 pages, 3567 KiB  
Article
Exploring Salinity Tolerance in Three Halophytic Plants: Physiological and Biochemical Responses to Agronomic Management in a Half-Strength Seawater Aquaponics System
by Ayenia Carolina Rosales-Nieblas, Mina Yamada, Bernardo Murillo-Amador and Satoshi Yamada
Horticulturae 2025, 11(6), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11060623 - 2 Jun 2025
Viewed by 525
Abstract
Understanding halophyte responses to agronomic management in saline environments is crucial for optimizing their cultivation. This study assessed the physiological and biochemical responses of three halophytic species, ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.), romeritos (Suaeda edulis Flores Olv. and Noguez), and sea [...] Read more.
Understanding halophyte responses to agronomic management in saline environments is crucial for optimizing their cultivation. This study assessed the physiological and biochemical responses of three halophytic species, ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.), romeritos (Suaeda edulis Flores Olv. and Noguez), and sea asparagus (Salicornia europaea L.) cultivated in half-strength seawater aquaponics (approximately 250 mM NaCl) under the following rooting media treatments: (C) untreated rearing water (RW), (pH) pH-adjusted to 5.5 RW, (pH+S) pH-adjusted to 5.5 RW with nutrient supplementation, and (NS) standard nutrient solution + 5 mM NaCl. Salinity was the primary factor influencing plant responses, while agronomic management played a secondary role. Ice plants exhibited stable growth across treatments due to their strong succulence, high water content, and antioxidative system, requiring minimal management, though optimal pH may enhance nutrient availability. Romeritos showed high treatment variability yet maintained biomass production via Na+ compartmentalization, with C treatment supporting better osmotic regulation, while pH adjustments and mineral supplementation induced stress under HSW. Sea asparagus sustained growth across all treatments, likely due to effective K+ retention and osmoregulation, reducing the need for additional management. These findings highlight species-specific salinity tolerance mechanisms and suggest that minimal agronomic management can effectively support halophyte cultivation in saline aquaponic systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Plant Quality and Sustainability in Aquaponics Systems)
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23 pages, 4782 KiB  
Article
Data-Driven Approach for Optimising Plant Species Selection and Planting Design on Outdoor Modular Green Wall with Aesthetic, Maintenance, and Water-Saving Goals
by Caroline M. Y. Law, Hoi Yi Law, Chi Ho Li, Chung Wai Leung, Min Pan, Si Chen, Kenrick C. K. Ho and Yik Tung Sham
Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3528; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083528 - 15 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1094
Abstract
Modular green wall, or living wall (LW) system, has evolved worldwide over the past decades as a popular green building feature and a nature-based solution. Differential climatic conditions across the globe make the standardisation of practices inapplicable to local scenarios. LW projects with [...] Read more.
Modular green wall, or living wall (LW) system, has evolved worldwide over the past decades as a popular green building feature and a nature-based solution. Differential climatic conditions across the globe make the standardisation of practices inapplicable to local scenarios. LW projects with differing goals and preferences like aesthetic (such as plant healthiness), water-saving, and minimal plant growth require optimal combinations of plant species to achieve single or multiple goals. This exploratory study aimed to deploy empirical field LW data to optimise analytical models to support plant species selection and LW design. Plant growth performance and water demand data of 29 commonly used plant species in outdoor modular LW systems without irrigation were collected in subtropical Hong Kong for 3 weeks. The 29 species tested were grouped into five plant forms: herbaceous perennials (16 spp), succulents (2 spp), ferns (2 spp), shrubs (7 spp), and trees (2 spp). Plant species-specific plant height, LAI, plant health rating, and water absorption amount were recorded every 6 days, together with photo records. Total water demand varied widely among plant species, ranging from 52.5 to 342.5 mL in 3 weeks (equivalent to 2.5 to 16.3 mL per day). The random forest algorithm proved that the water demand of the species was a dominant predictor of plant health tendency, among other parameters. Hierarchical clustering grouped plant species with similar water demand and health rating tendencies into four groups. The health rating threshold approach identified the top-performing species that displayed a healthy appearance as a basic prerequisite, coupled with one or two optional objectives: (1) water-saving and (2) slow-growing. The comparison among the plant selection scenarios based on projected LW performance (water demand, plant health, and growth) provided sound evidence for the optimisation of LW design for sustainability. LW projects with multiple objectives inherited a multitude of multi-scalar properties; thus, the simulation of LW performance in this study demonstrated a novel data-driven approach to optimise plant species selection and planting design with minimal resource input. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainability, Biodiversity and Conservation)
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18 pages, 3921 KiB  
Article
Succulent Plant Image Classification Based on Lightweight GoogLeNet with CBAM Attention Mechanism
by Xingyu Tong, Zhihong Liang and Fangrong Liu
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3730; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073730 - 28 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 473
Abstract
Aiming at the model overfitting problem caused by limited datasets and visual complexity in succulent plant classification tasks, this study proposes a GoogLeNet classification method based on lightweighting and improving the Convolutional Block attention module (CBAM). Meanwhile, batch normalization (BN) operations are added [...] Read more.
Aiming at the model overfitting problem caused by limited datasets and visual complexity in succulent plant classification tasks, this study proposes a GoogLeNet classification method based on lightweighting and improving the Convolutional Block attention module (CBAM). Meanwhile, batch normalization (BN) operations are added after each convolutional layer to accelerate network convergence and improve model stability. In addition, the model’s ability to extract key features is enhanced by integrating the channel and spatial attention mechanisms of the CBAM attention module. Experimental results show that the improved lightweight GoogLeNet achieves 99.4% classification accuracy on the validation set, effectively mitigates the overfitting problem, and maintains high computational efficiency in resource-constrained environments. The model parameters and computational complexity are significantly reduced by streamlining the Inception modules from nine to seven and introducing depth-separable convolution. To further validate the model robustness, this study extends the dataset via data augmentation methods, and the experiments show that the improved model still maintains stable performance in small dataset environments, demonstrating its advantages in data-scarce scenarios. This study provides an effective solution for the task of succulent plant classification, which has significant application value. Future research will focus on further optimization of the model structure to continuously improve the classification accuracy and robustness. Full article
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41 pages, 4980 KiB  
Article
Untargeted Metabolomics and Targeted Phytohormone Profiling of Sweet Aloes (Euphorbia neriifolia) from Guyana: An Assessment of Asthma Therapy Potential in Leaf Extracts and Latex
by Malaika Persaud, Ainsely Lewis, Anna Kisiala, Ewart Smith, Zeynab Azimychetabi, Tamanna Sultana, Suresh S. Narine and R. J. Neil Emery
Metabolites 2025, 15(3), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15030177 - 5 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1454
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Euphorbia neriifolia is a succulent plant from the therapeutically rich family of Euphorbia comprising 2000 species globally. E. neriifolia is used in Indigenous Guyanese asthma therapy. Methods: To investigate E. neriifolia’s therapeutic potential, traditionally heated leaf, simple leaf, and latex extracts [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Euphorbia neriifolia is a succulent plant from the therapeutically rich family of Euphorbia comprising 2000 species globally. E. neriifolia is used in Indigenous Guyanese asthma therapy. Methods: To investigate E. neriifolia’s therapeutic potential, traditionally heated leaf, simple leaf, and latex extracts were evaluated for phytohormones and therapeutic compounds. Full scan, data-dependent acquisition, and parallel reaction monitoring modes via liquid chromatography Orbitrap mass spectrometry were used for screening. Results: Pathway analysis of putative features from all extracts revealed a bias towards the phenylpropanoid, terpenoid, and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways. A total of 850 compounds were annotated using various bioinformatics tools, ranging from confidence levels 1 to 3. Lipids and lipid-like molecules (34.35%), benzenoids (10.24%), organic acids and derivatives (12%), organoheterocyclic compounds (12%), and phenylpropanoids and polyketides (10.35%) dominated the contribution of compounds among the 13 superclasses. Semi-targeted screening revealed 14 out of 16 literature-relevant therapeutic metabolites detected, with greater upregulation in traditional heated extracts. Targeted screening of 39 phytohormones resulted in 25 being detected and quantified. Simple leaf extract displayed 4.4 and 45 times greater phytohormone levels than traditional heated leaf and latex extracts, respectively. Simple leaf extracts had the greatest nucleotide and riboside cytokinin and acidic phytohormone levels. In contrast, traditional heated extracts exhibited the highest free base and glucoside cytokinin levels and uniquely contained methylthiolated and aromatic cytokinins while lacking acidic phytohormones. Latex samples had trace gibberellic acid levels, the lowest free base, riboside, and nucleotide levels, with absences of aromatic, glucoside, or methylthiolated cytokinin forms. Conclusions: In addition to metabolites with possible therapeutic value for asthma treatment, we present the first look at cytokinin phytohormones in the species and Euphorbia genus alongside metabolite screening to present a comprehensive assessment of heated leaf extract used in Indigenous Guyanese asthma therapy. Full article
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23 pages, 1782 KiB  
Article
Elemental Screening and Nutritional Strategies of Gypsophile Flora in Sicily
by Antonio J. Mendoza-Fernández, Encarna Merlo, Carmelo M. Musarella, Esteban Salmerón-Sánchez, Fabián Martínez-Hernández, Francisco J. Pérez-García, Giovanni Spampinato and Juan Mota
Plants 2025, 14(5), 804; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050804 - 5 Mar 2025
Viewed by 684
Abstract
Sicily is a Mediterranean island with an exceptional natural heritage, where gypsum outcrops are widespread and associated with an endemic flora. These ecosystems are prioritized by the European Habitats Directive (Mediterranean gypsum steppes, 1520*) in the Mediterranean Basin. Some studies have revealed the [...] Read more.
Sicily is a Mediterranean island with an exceptional natural heritage, where gypsum outcrops are widespread and associated with an endemic flora. These ecosystems are prioritized by the European Habitats Directive (Mediterranean gypsum steppes, 1520*) in the Mediterranean Basin. Some studies have revealed the physiological mechanisms in gypsophile plants, which are important adaptative characteristics of plants that live on gypsum. To identify stress-tolerant strategies, we studied the leaf chemical composition of 14 plant species (gypsum endemics, Mediterranean gypsophiles and widely distributed) from Sicily. The ability to accumulate mineral elements in leaves, especially sulfur (S), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), is a widespread strategy for gypsophile plants. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) calculations also indicate bioaccumulation of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and potassium (K) in species with a certain degree of foliar succulence, such as Gypsophila arrostii Guss. subsp. arrostii or Diplotaxis harra (Forssk.) Boiss. subsp. crassifolia (Raf.) Maire, which also accumulates Mg and Sodium (Na). The narrow gypsophile Erysimum metlesicsii Polatschek exhibited the highest BCF value for strontium (Sr). The study of the gypsophile G. arrostii subsp. arrostii growing on limestone substrates indicates that this plant tends to hyperaccumulate nutrients, such as S, that are normally available in gypsum substrates. The remarkable ability of these plants to absorb elements such as sulfur and strontium is important to explain their ecological adaptations but also indicates their potential usefulness in environmental phytoremediation processes. The study of plant communities and flora of gypsum substrates is essential to understand the nutritional adaptations that allow flora to survive in gypsum environments and to support the better preservation of these interesting natural areas in Sicily. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant–Soil Interactions)
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12 pages, 4820 KiB  
Article
A Checklist of the Ornamental Vascular Flora of Sicily
by Emilio Di Gristina, Giulio Barone, Gianniantonio Domina, Emilio Badalamenti, Maria Letizia Gargano, Giuseppe Venturella and Raimondo Pardi
Plants 2025, 14(5), 795; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050795 - 4 Mar 2025
Viewed by 911
Abstract
Based on literature data and new field investigations, a checklist of the ornamental vascular flora of Sicily is presented. Trees, shrubs, herbaceous, and succulent plants growing in street trees, parks, private gardens, and historic villas of Sicily are included in the checklist. For [...] Read more.
Based on literature data and new field investigations, a checklist of the ornamental vascular flora of Sicily is presented. Trees, shrubs, herbaceous, and succulent plants growing in street trees, parks, private gardens, and historic villas of Sicily are included in the checklist. For each taxon, information on growth forms, geographical and biome origin, resident time, and status (native/alien) in Italy is provided. A total of 928 taxa (including 823 species s. str., 33 cultivars, 31 hybrids, 24 varieties, 9 subspecies, and 8 forms), belonging to 486 genera included in 138 families, were recorded. Fabaceae, Rosaceae, Asteraceae, Cactaceae, Asparagaceae, Arecaceae, and Malvaceae are the richest families in taxa. Phanerophytes are the prevalent growth form, and the main part of such flora consists of Asiatic and American taxa. Taxa from subtropical and tropical biomes showed a prevalent presence; this is a peculiarity which characterizes the Sicilian ornamental flora. Delonix regia emerges as a peculiar case, representing the only documented cases of open-air cultivation in both Sicily and the entire country. A significant percentage of taxa (41%) is included in the list of alien vascular flora of Italy, showing a strong predominance of casual and naturalized neophytes alien species. Full article
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15 pages, 3663 KiB  
Article
Photosynthetic Efficiency and Water Status as Determinants for the Performance of Semiarid-Adapted Cotton Cultivars Under Drought in Greenhouse
by Renato Oliveira de Sousa, Jeane Ferreira de Jesus, Manderson Nunes da Silva, Stelamaris de Oliveira Paula-Marinho, Francisco de Alcântara Neto, Humberto Henrique de Carvalho, José Hélio Costa, Rodrigo Fonseca da Silva, Gonçalves Albino Dauala, Maria Valnice de Souza Silveira, Teonis Batista da Silva and Rafael de Souza Miranda
Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 500; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020500 - 19 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 737
Abstract
Searching for crop cultivars that are resilient to environmental stresses is crucial for maintaining global agricultural production. Our study aimed to screen semiarid-adapted cotton cultivars performing well under water-restricted conditions. Trials were conducted in a greenhouse involving six cotton cultivars (FM 911, FM [...] Read more.
Searching for crop cultivars that are resilient to environmental stresses is crucial for maintaining global agricultural production. Our study aimed to screen semiarid-adapted cotton cultivars performing well under water-restricted conditions. Trials were conducted in a greenhouse involving six cotton cultivars (FM 911, FM 912, FM 970, FM 974, FM 978, and FM 985) subjected to four water levels (100, 80, 60, and 40% field capacity—FC). At 20 days post-drought imposition, the growth, leaf succulence, osmotic potential, gas exchanges, photosynthetic pigments, and lipid peroxidation were measured. Cotton plants showed reduced growth and gas exchanges at 60% and 40%, displaying elevated sensibility at 40% FC. Under 60% FC, FM 970 and FM 985 exhibited a superior dry biomass, leaf area, and growth, indicating high drought tolerance. FM 911, FM 912, and FM 978 displayed higher rates of net photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content under 60% and 40% FC, but also demonstrated an increased lipid peroxidation. Additionally, FM 911, FM 970, and FM 974 had the lowest osmotic potential values. Field capacity at 60% and 40% represent moderate and severe drought conditions for cotton. The superior performance of FM 970, FM 978, and FM 985 under drought is attributed to pigment accumulation and photosynthetic efficiency. Our findings suggest that a water-saving strategy with an 80% FC can enhance sustainable production and identify promising cotton cultivars for cultivation in water-scarce regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mitigating Effect of Exogenous Treatments Against Stress in Plants)
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36 pages, 839 KiB  
Review
A Comprehensive Review on Graptopetalum paraguayense’s Phytochemical Profiles, Pharmacological Activities, and Development as a Functional Food
by Varun Jaiswal and Hae-Jeung Lee
Plants 2025, 14(3), 349; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030349 - 24 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1415
Abstract
Graptopetalum paraguayense (G. paraguayense) is a succulent plant that has been used in traditional Chinese and Taiwanese medicine, mainly for antihypertensive and hepatoprotective activities. G. paraguayense is also used as an edible vegetable, which is considered a functional food. Different in [...] Read more.
Graptopetalum paraguayense (G. paraguayense) is a succulent plant that has been used in traditional Chinese and Taiwanese medicine, mainly for antihypertensive and hepatoprotective activities. G. paraguayense is also used as an edible vegetable, which is considered a functional food. Different in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies have highlighted the multiple pharmacological activities of G. paraguayense, which include anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, antiasthma, antihypertensive, skin-whitening and anti-aging, anti-Alzheimer, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective activities. Numerous studies revealed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of G. paraguayense, which may be the major contributing factor for multiple pharmacological activities and the protective effect of G. paraguayense on pancreatic, liver, lung, colon, and brain diseases. Initial safety studies on animal models also support the therapeutic candidature of G. paraguayense. The presence of numerous bioactive phytochemicals, especially polyphenols, and the identification of important disease targets of G. paraguayense emphasize its high therapeutic potential. The lack of a directional approach and limited in vivo studies limit the development of G. paraguayense against important diseases. Still, a compilation of pharmacological activities and target pathways of G. paraguayense is missing in the literature. The current review not only compiles pharmacological activities and phytochemicals but also highlights gaps and proposes future directions for developing G. paraguayense as a candidate against important diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Active Compounds in Horticultural Plants)
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11 pages, 4048 KiB  
Article
Floral Visitors and Florivory in Tacinga inamoena (Cactaceae) in the Ex Situ Collection of the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden
by Diego Rafael Gonzaga, Ricardo Maximo Tortorelli, Thaís Moreira Hidalgo de Almeida and Ariane Luna Peixoto
J. Zool. Bot. Gard. 2025, 6(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg6010006 - 22 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1255
Abstract
Tacinga inamoena (K. Schum.) N.P. Taylor & Stuppy (Cactaceae, Opuntioideae) is a native Brazilian species found in the Caatinga phytogeographic domain. Although its flowers are adapted for bird pollination (ornithophily), few birds visit these plants in the ex situ collection at the Rio [...] Read more.
Tacinga inamoena (K. Schum.) N.P. Taylor & Stuppy (Cactaceae, Opuntioideae) is a native Brazilian species found in the Caatinga phytogeographic domain. Although its flowers are adapted for bird pollination (ornithophily), few birds visit these plants in the ex situ collection at the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. Despite this, fruit production occurs, prompting an investigation into the floral visitors and other animals interacting with T. inamoena flowers. This study aimed to identify floral visitors and quantify florivory damage to flowers in the Cacti and Succulents thematic collection. During the study, 79 flowers were monitored, along with their floral visitors and 26 instances of florivory, totaling 110 observation hours during the anthesis period. Despite recording only five hummingbird visits, a high fruit set was observed, with 72 fruits formed. Results indicated that bees of the genus Trigona sp. were the main floral visitors. Florivory damage, primarily caused by lizards of the species Tropidurus torquatus (Wied-Neuwied, 1820), did not negatively impact fruit formation in this cactus species under cultivation. To fully understand the reproductive success of this species, further studies are needed to assess the viability of seeds formed under these conditions, as the species may be self-compatible and autogamous. Full article
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20 pages, 6144 KiB  
Article
Optimizing In Vitro Propagation of Haworthia truncata Schönland Using Leaf, Root, and Inflorescence
by Leila Soleimani, Hassan Salehi and Taras Pasternak
Plants 2025, 14(2), 212; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14020212 - 14 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1193
Abstract
Haworthia truncata, a species native to South Africa, is characterized by its limited growth and scarcity, contributing to high production costs. Countries like China and Turkey are known for exporting Haworthia globally. Tissue culture offers an efficient method for mass-producing unique and [...] Read more.
Haworthia truncata, a species native to South Africa, is characterized by its limited growth and scarcity, contributing to high production costs. Countries like China and Turkey are known for exporting Haworthia globally. Tissue culture offers an efficient method for mass-producing unique and beautiful species such as H. truncata. This study tested Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal media supplemented with various concentrations of IBA (0.05–1.5 mg/L), NAA (0.05–0.25 mg/L), and BA (0.25–1.5 mg/L) to promote shoot proliferation. MS medium without plant growth regulators (PGRs) was also tested as a control. Different explant types (leaf, root, and inflorescence) were analyzed for their potential in direct and indirect regeneration. Inflorescence explants showed the highest callus induction with 1.5 mg/L IBA, while optimal shoot proliferation occurred at 1 mg/L IBA. Callus induction was optimal for leaf explants with 0.05 mg/L NAA and 0.25 mg/L BA, and shoot proliferation was highest at 0.05 mg/L NAA and 1 mg/L BA. Root explants achieved maximum callus induction with 0.25 mg/L BA and 0.25 mg/L NAA, with the best shoot proliferation using 0.05 mg/L NAA and 1 mg/L BA. The highest rooting percentage of regenerated shoots was obtained on ½ MS medium with 1.5 mg/L IBA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Tissue Culture and Plant Regeneration)
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18 pages, 9341 KiB  
Article
Climate Change-Induced Decline in Succulent Euphorbia in Namibia’s Arid Regions
by J. J. Marion Meyer, Marie M. Potgieter, Nicole L. Meyer and Anika C. Meyer
Plants 2025, 14(2), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14020190 - 11 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1426
Abstract
The global rise in temperatures due to climate change has made it difficult even for specialised desert-adapted plant species to survive on sandy desert soils. Two of Namibia’s iconic desert-adapted plant species, Welwitschia mirabilis and the quiver tree Aloidendron dichotomum, have recently [...] Read more.
The global rise in temperatures due to climate change has made it difficult even for specialised desert-adapted plant species to survive on sandy desert soils. Two of Namibia’s iconic desert-adapted plant species, Welwitschia mirabilis and the quiver tree Aloidendron dichotomum, have recently been shown to be under threat because of climate change. In the current study, three ecologically important Namibian Euphorbia milk bushes were evaluated for their climate change response. By comparing good-quality aerial photographs from the 1960s and recent 2020s high-resolution satellite images, it was determined by QGIS remote sensing techniques that very high percentages of the large succulents E. damarana, E. gummifera, and E. gregaria have died during the last 50 years in arid areas of Namibia. Areas like Brandberg (northern Namibia), Klein Karas (south-east), and Garub (south-west), with a high sandy-textured ground cover, have seen the loss of around 90% of E. damarana and E. gregaria and about 61% of E. gummifera in this period. This is alarming, as it could threaten the survival of several animal species adapted to feed on them, especially during droughts. This study focused on large succulent euphorbias, distinguishable in satellite images and historical photographs. It was observed that many other plant species are also severely stressed in arid sandy areas. The obtained results were ground-truthed and species identification was confirmed by the chemical analysis of remaining dead twigs using GC-MS and metabolomics. The ERA5 satellite’s 2 m above-ground temperature data show a 2 °C rise in annual average noon temperatures since 1950 at the three locations analysed. Annual daily temperatures increased by 1.3 °C since 1950, exceeding the global average rise of about 1.0 °C since 1900. This suggests that euphorbias and other plants on low-water-capacity sandy soils in Namibia face greater climate change pressure than plants globally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ethnobotany and Biodiversity Conservation in South Africa)
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14 pages, 5081 KiB  
Article
Chemical Control of the Invasive Weed Trianthema portulacastrum: Nethouse Studies
by Yaakov Goldwasser, Onn Rabinowitz, Jackline Abu-Nasser, Evgeny Smirnov, Guy Achdary and Hanan Eizenberg
Plants 2025, 14(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14010019 - 25 Dec 2024
Viewed by 859
Abstract
Trianthema portulacastrum L. (Aizoaceae), commonly known as desert horse purslane or black pigweed, is a C4 dicot succulent invasive annual plant that is widespread in agricultural fields in Southeast Asia, tropical America, Africa, and Australia. In Israel, Trianthema portulacastrum is an invasive weed [...] Read more.
Trianthema portulacastrum L. (Aizoaceae), commonly known as desert horse purslane or black pigweed, is a C4 dicot succulent invasive annual plant that is widespread in agricultural fields in Southeast Asia, tropical America, Africa, and Australia. In Israel, Trianthema portulacastrum is an invasive weed of increasing importance in agricultural fields, including mainly corn, tomato, alfalfa watermelon, and groundnut crops. The significance of this weed in crops has been recently reported in neighboring countries of Jordan and Egypt. In previous studies, we have examined and described the spread, biology, and germination requirements of Trianthema portulacastrum in Israel. The present study aimed to investigate the efficiency of single pre- and post-emergence herbicides and the combination of pre-applied herbicides for the control of this invasive weed in pots in a nethouse. We conducted three sequential experiments in a nethouse: (1) screening of pre-emergence herbicides, (2) screening of post-emergence herbicides, and (3) assessment of residual activity of combined pre-emergence herbicides in three distinct Hula Valley soil types. Efficacy was evaluated through weekly assessments of seedling emergence and vigor, with the final shoot fresh weight determined upon the experiment’s completion. In all experiments, weekly counts and vigor estimation of T. portulacastrum seedlings were conducted, and shoot fresh weights were determined at the end of the experiments. The results of pre-emergence herbicide screening showed that Fomesafen, Terbutryne, Flurochloridon, Sulfosulfuron, Cyrosulfamid + Izoxaflutole, and Dimethenamid were the most effective herbicides, leading to complete eradication of T. portulacastrum plants. Results of the post-emergence screening revealed that Saflufenacil, Foramsulfuron, Tembotrione + Isoxdifen-ethyl, and Rimsulfurom Methyl completely controlled the weed. In the soil residual study, three herbicide combinations (Fomesafen + Terbutryn, Sulfosulfuron + Fomesafen, and Dimethenamid + Flurochloridon) provided effective control across all soil types. These findings provide a foundation for future field trials investigating integrated pre- and post-emergence herbicide programs for T. portulacastrum management in various crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Chemical Ecology)
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20 pages, 3582 KiB  
Article
Diversity and Plant Growth-Promoting Properties of Rhodiola rosea Root Endophytic Bacteria
by Inga Tamošiūnė, Muhammad Fahad Hakim, Odeta Buzaitė, Vidmantas Stanys, Jurgita Vinskienė, Elena Andriūnaitė and Danas Baniulis
Microorganisms 2025, 13(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13010013 - 25 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1465
Abstract
Plants inhabiting environments with suboptimal growth conditions often have a more pronounced capacity to attract and sustain microbial communities that improve nutrient absorption and expand abiotic stress tolerance. Rhodiola rosea L. is a succulent plant of the Crassulaceae family adapted to survive in [...] Read more.
Plants inhabiting environments with suboptimal growth conditions often have a more pronounced capacity to attract and sustain microbial communities that improve nutrient absorption and expand abiotic stress tolerance. Rhodiola rosea L. is a succulent plant of the Crassulaceae family adapted to survive in sandy or rocky soils or dry tundra. The aim of the present study was to investigate the diversity and plant growth-stimulating potential of R. rosea endophytic microbiota. Metataxonomic analysis of the bacterial diversity in the rhizome of R. rosea revealed 108 families. Among these, three families were found exclusively in the core microbiome of 1-year-old plants, while nine families were unique to the core microbiome of mature plants grown in the field for more than 4 years. Seventy-three endophytic bacteria isolates were obtained from the rhizome of R. rosea plants and were assigned into 14 distinct bacterial genera of Firmicutes (26%) or Proteobacteria (74%) phyla. Screening for functional genes related to the nitrogen cycle, phosphorus mineralisation or dissolution, and traits associated with nitrogen fixation (56% of isolates), siderophore production (40%), inorganic phosphorus solubilisation (30%), and production of indole-related compounds (51%) led to the classification of the isolates into 16 distinct clusters. Co-cultivation of 45 selected isolates with germinating Arabidopsis seedlings revealed 18 and 5 isolates that resulted in more than a 20% increase in root or shoot growth, respectively. The study results established the complexity of the succulent R. rosea endophytic microbiome and identified isolates for potential plant growth-stimulating applications. Full article
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