The genus Pellia sensu lato, a crucial early lineage in land plant phylogeny, has long presented a significant taxonomic challenge. This stemmed from its high phenotypic plasticity and a limited number of reliable morphological characters. This review synthesizes recent advancements in understanding this complex, focusing on taxonomic changes, cryptic speciation, phylogenetic studies, and molecular research. The advent of molecular methods fundamentally changed our understanding of Pellia sensu lato, leading to a robust division of the traditional genus into two distinct, monophyletic entities: Pellia Hedw. (sensu stricto) and the newly recognized Apopellia Grolle. Phylogenetic analyses, utilizing plastid, mitochondrial, and nuclear markers, not only confirmed this reclassification but also revealed widespread cryptic speciation. Within Pellia epiphylla, two cryptic lineages (N and S) were identified, subsequently proven as parental species for the allopolyploid Pellia borealis. Similarly, the Apopellia endiviifolia complex exhibited the existence of cryptic sister species (aquatic form A and terrestrial form B), and Apopellia alpicola was segregated from a previous subclade. Although studies on cryptic speciation have primarily concentrated in Poland, the results strongly suggest a much larger, undiscovered diversity across the taxon's vast circumboreal range. Beyond taxonomy, Pellia has become a valuable model system in molecular biology, particularly in research on sex determination mechanisms (encompassing both monoicous and dioicous species) and microtranscriptomics. Shared conservative miRNA families, present in both liverworts and green algae, offer insight into the evolution of gene regulation in land plants. Analyses of complete organellar genomes (plastid and mitochondrial) have provided new "superbarcodes" for species identification and facilitated the study of RNA editing and heteroplasmy, highlighting their role in the adaptation and diversification of liverworts.
Terpenoids are the most diverse type of plant secondary metabolites, which play important roles in plant survival and human life. However, their contents in plants are usually very limited which seriously diminish the applications. Therefore, increasing the contents of terpenoids in plants is urgently needed. Transcription factors can simultaneously regulate the expressions of multiple enzymes on terpenoid biosynthesis pathway by binding to the cis-elements in their promoters, which are effective tools to improve the yields of terpenoids. In this review, we first introduced the classifications and biosynthesis pathways of terpenoids. Then, we presented the sorts of various transcription factors and updated their roles in coordinating terpenoids biosynthesis. Finally, we discussed the potential applications in plant synthetic biology to provide the references for boosting the yields of terpenoids to meet the market demand.
Ferula communis, distributed mainly in the Mediterranean region, is a highly polymorphic species encompassing numerous morpho-and chemotypes with poorly defined boundaries. Molecular evidence has shown that F. communis and its allies form a distinct lineage, supporting their recognition as a separate subgenus, Ferula, within Ferulinae. However, this conclusion was based on a limited number of molecular markers. To provide a genomic foundation for understanding its evolutionary relationships and characteristics, we assembled the plastid genome of F. communis using Get-Organelle and NOVOPlasty from Illumina whole-genome sequence reads. The resulting 166,696 bp genome exhibited the typical quadripartite structure of angiosperm plastomes (LSC: 85,349 bp, SSC: 17,685 bp, IRs: 31,831 bp each) and contained 133 unique functional genes (88 protein-coding, 37 tRNAs, and 8 rRNAs). Comparative genomic analysis within Ferula showed high conservation, highlighting minor variations in the IRb/SSC boundary and identifying seven highly variable intergenic spacer regions. We also identified 217 simple sequence repeats (SSRs), predominantly in the LSC region, and found evidence of strong positive selection in five protein-coding genes (ccsA, ndhD, ndhF, petD, and rpl32) using the BEB and LRT tests. The resulting phylogenetic analysis strongly supports the placement of F. communis immediately after subgenus Sinoferula, consistent with recent infrageneric classifications based on combined nuclear and plastid markers.
Medicinal plants have played a crucial function in conventional medicine for a long time, offering a wide range of therapeutic advantages due to their many bioactive components. Boswellia dalzielii Hutch (B. dalzielii) (Burseraceae) is one of those plants found in Northern Nigeria and the West African savannah used by traditional healers to treat several disease conditions, including mental illness and skin disorders. This research assessed the phytochemical and antioxidant characteristics of aqueous extracts derived from the leaves, stem bark, and root bark of B. dalzielii. The leaf extract had the highest percentage yield and quantities of flavonoids (51.07 +/- 3.20 mg QE/g), vitamin C (27.25 +/- 2.12 mg AAE/g), and phenolic contents (54.63 +/- 1.85 mg GAE/g). It also exhibited enhanced hydroxyl radical scavenging and cupric-reducing capabilities. In all the antioxidant parameters checked, the root bark consistently showed the lowest antioxidant activity and phytochemical contents, whereas the stem bark displayed the maximum ferric-reducing ability and DPPH radical-scavenging capacity. In addition, the extracts exhibited concentration-dependent Fe2+ and Cu2+ chelating abilities. The result of this study also showed that compared to root bark and stem bark extracts, the leaf extract has a considerably (p < 0.05) highest chelating abilities (SC50: Fe2+ = 1.33 +/- 0.01 mg/mL, Cu2+ = 1.08 +/- 0.00 mg/mL). Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection and mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-MS) analysis revealed notable phytochemical constituents; nonetheless, component profiles differ across distinct plant parts. The findings suggest that B. dalzielii might be a substantial natural source of antioxidants, particularly for mitigating disorders related to oxidative stress.
Rehmia furfurosa (formerly Rhizocarpon furfurosum) was historically classified within the genus Rhizocarpon and placed in the brown subgenus Phaeothallus because of the absence of rhizocarpic acid in the thallus. This rare species is found only in Europe and predominantly grows on metal-rich substrates. This species often occurs in a sterile form, making its identification difficult. Here, we report the first records of R. furfurosa in Poland, accompanied by nuITS rDNA sequences of the species from both Norwegian and Polish specimens. In Polish specimens, we observed greater variation in the septation and size of ascospores compared to the protologue, as we found truly muriform ascospores, which are larger than previously reported. In addition, because of the lack of nomenclatural type of Rhizocarpon obscuratum f. granulosum (a synonym of Rehmia furfurosa), a lectotype is here designed. Additionally, by integrating GBIF records with explanatory raster data on heavy metals in European topsoils, we present a species distribution map generated using maximum entropy modelling (MaxEnt). The most significant heavy metal predictors of R. furfurosa were lead, iron, cadmium, zinc, silicon, and aluminum. The final model identified regions with the highest habitat suitability, mainly in mountainous areas, and highlighted potential new locations where the species may occur.
Nivicolous myxomycetes are an ecological group of protists associated with melting snowfields in mountainous regions. In this study, we document 11 nivicolous myxomycete species new to Poland, based on 123 herbarium specimens collected over the last 40 years in the Carpathians, one of the largest mountain ranges in Central Europe. This includes six species reported here for the first time from the entire Carpathians: Badhamia alpina, Lamproderma cristatum, L. cucumer, L. piriforme, L. pseudomaculatum, and Polyschismium granuliferum. Our findings highlight the importance of further research on nivicolous myxomycetes in the Carpathian Mountain Range.
Galls are deformed manifestations of plant tissues stimulated by insects and other organisms that feed on or lay eggs on plants. Distylium racemosum, with the Chinese name “Wen-Mu-Shu”, has established a relationship with Neothoracaphis hangzhouensis etc. over a long evolutionary period. However, the effects of gallers on the transcriptional levels in D. racemosum leaves remain unknown. Using whole-transcriptome sequencing and de novo assembly, we generated a reference transcriptome (104,537 unigenes). Notably, in galled leaves, transcripts encoding key terpenoid biosynthetic enzymes, including linalool 8-monooxygenase, were significantly upregulated, indicating the preferential redirection of metabolic resources toward terpenoid metabolism compounds. Conversely, the reduced expression of transcripts associated with photosynthesis-related structural proteins or subunits (e.g., Lhca/Lhcb) was observed, suggesting compromised photosynthetic capacity. Overall, this study revealed the adaptive strategy of D. racemosum in coping with gall-induced stress through ‘photosynthesis-terpenoid metabolism’ resource reallocation. These findings provide a transcriptomic framework for gall formation in D. racemosum, offering insights into plant adaptive strategies under biotic stress.
This work contains an assessment of the threat to the moss flora of Poland in accordance with the IUCN criteria (2024). In total, 730 species and 35 lower taxa were assessed. The Regionally Extinct category includes 29 species and 2 subspecies, Critically Endangered - 33 species, Endangered - 22 species and 1 variety, Vulnerable - 77 species and 2 subspecies, Near Threatened - 94 species, 1 subspecies and 4 varieties, Least Concern - 414 species, 3 subspecies and 12 varieties, Data Deficient - 57 species and 10 varieties and Not Evaluated - 4 species.
This paper presents new data on the occurrence of 34 vascular plant species from Europe (five countries), Asia (seven countries), and Africa (six countries), and one moss species from Asia (Uzbekistan). For each species, synonyms, taxonomy with remarks on the recognition and differentiation of the species from the most similar taxa occurring in a given area, general distribution, habitat preferences, and a list of recorded localities (often far from the previously known distribution range) are presented. As a result of the taxonomic investigation, we described a new variety, Stipa drobovii var. hajastanica M. Nobis & Klichowska, and proposed three new combinations: Orobanche teucrii subsp. sideritidis (Huter, Porta & Rigo) & Oacute;. S & aacute;nchez & Piwow., Phelipanche pyramidalis (Reut.) & Oacute;. S & aacute;nchez & Piwow., and Ph. reuteriana var. lanuginosa (Maire) & Oacute;. S & aacute;nchez & Piwow. Additionally, lectotypes of Ph. pyramidalis and Ph. reuteriana var. lanuginosa are designated here.
Java, a key region of Sundaland, is recognized as one of the world's biodiversity hotspots and the most populous island in Indonesia, with the Jakarta Metropolitan Area (JMA) serving as its primary urban center. The JMA is home to a diverse population, encompassing multiple ethnic groups with distinct cultural traditions, many of which incorporate the use of wild plants. This study aims to document the diversity of wild plants sold in traditional markets within the JMA. Ten of the largest traditional markets were visited, and ethnobotanical data was collected through semi-structured interviews with market sellers and buyers. To assess the significance and usage of these plants, ethnobotanical indices, including Family Use Value, Use Value, and Plant Part Value, were applied. A total of 115 wild plant species belonging to 56 families were recorded during surveys conducted in 2023–2024. These species serve various purposes, including use as vegetables, spices, fruits, medicinal, spiritual, and cultural applications. The most represented plant families were Zingiberaceae, Fabaceae, and Anacardiaceae. The most common plant life forms are trees (44 species), followed by herbs (42 species) and shrubs (13 species). Leaves were the most frequently sold plant parts, while Musa acuminata (Musaceae) exhibited the highest utility, as indicated by its high Use Value. UPGMA clustering based on Jaccard similarity grouped the markets mainly by geographic location, with Pasar Anyar Bogor exhibiting the highest diversity (77 species) and Pasar Rumput the lowest (51 species). Markets located farther from Jakarta showed greater species diversity and unique species, likely due to local ecosystems and harvesting practices. Our findings highlight the key role of traditional markets in ensuring food security and preserving cultural heritage, and the need to promote sustainable harvesting and trading practices
In the Nineveh Plains region of Northern Iraq, wild plants are important elements of ecological and social systems. To identify and document the knowledge, vernacular names, and ethnobotanical practices related to wild plants in this area, we conducted 421 in-person surveys across 40 villages, representing five ethnoreligious groups living in the Nineveh Plains (Christians, Yezidis, Shabaks, Turkmen, and Kaka’i). Thirty semi-structured interviews were also conducted with individuals knowledgeable about wild plants. Overall, people identified uses for 69 wild plant species in the study area, belonging to 68 genera and 35 families. Asteraceae and Papilionaceae were the dominant families, with nine species each. Wild plant use has significant socio-economic importance for the communities that reside in the Nineveh plains, as people report using wild plants for food, medicine, cosmetics, animal husbandry, and generating income. In both (RFC) and (CI), Gundelia tournefortii, Malva neglecta, Matricaria chamomilla, and Silybum marianum possessed the highest ranking. People substantially agreed on the species that were utilized for food more than decoration, medicine, and religious rites according to (IAF) and (Fic) for wild plant use categories. People identified the greatest threats to local wild plant habitats as drought, herbicide use, overgrazing, expansion of large-scale agriculture, urbanization, and fires. Elder community members also reported a lack of wild plant knowledge transfer between generations. The findings of this study have significant implications for developing a local biocultural conservation strategy to preserve the remarkable wild plants and natural heritage of the multi-ethnic and multi-cultural communities in Nineveh Plains.
The current research investigated 17 species from 5 genera of Cyperaceae. It includes Cyperus, Carex, Kyllinga, Fuirena and Fimbristylis for their foliar epidermal anatomy using light microscopy (LM). The study found that the micromorphological features of the family are important for accurate identification of species. Plant species were collected from different phytogeographical regions of Pakistan and studied for both qualitative and quantitative characteristics. Both the upper and lower epidermis of the leaf were studied, and various micromorphological characters were examined, including the shape of epidermal cells, anticlinal wall pattern, type of stomata, and subsidiary cells. From 5 genera, trichomes were only observed in Kyllinga (Kyllinga brevifolius). All species have paracytic type of stomata. The research aims to develop taxonomic keys based on foliar epidermal characteristics to enable quick and easy identification of species. The main objective is to study both qualitative and quantitative traits for accurate species identification and delimitation of Cyperaceae. The foliar epidermal anatomy of the Cyperaceae family provides valuable information for the systematic identification of different species. The current findings regarding the foliar epidermal features are particularly important for plant taxonomists in accurately identifying species within the Cyperaceae family. The micro-morphological features of foliar epidermal anatomy provide novel characteristics for precise taxonomic identification and offer essential information for further study by plant taxonomists
Myosotis scorpioides L. produces one of the smallest pollen grains. To date, the morphology and structure of the sporoderm of these grains have been studied, but the ultrastructure of their protoplasts has not been sufficiently investigated. The aim of the study was to analyse the structure of the anther wall, determine the tapetum type, and examine the size and subcellular aspects of M. scorpioides pollen grains. The study was carried out with the use of light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. In the pollen maturity phase, the epidermis, the endothecium with reinforced walls, and the remains of the middle layer and cell walls of the plasmodial tapetum were distinguished in the anther wall. The characteristic traits of M. scorpioides anthers include the plasmodial tapetum and the presence of polygonal orbicules. Plasmodial tapetum protoplasts were observed in close proximity to the pollen grains. The orbicules, fused with the sporoderm, were present in both the tapetum cell remains and on the surface of the pollen grains. The length of the polar and equatorial axes of the grains was 7.5 µm and 3.2 µm, respectively. The subcellular characteristics of the pollen grains included a vegetative cell with a lobulated nucleus, numerous plastids surrounded by a rough endoplasmic reticulum, numerous mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum profiles, various-sized vesicles, highly numerous ribosomes, and two sperm cells with a small amount of cytoplasm. The plastids and mitochondria were spherical and substantially smaller than those present in somatic cells.
Our study is an example of using genetic markers to select genotypes for enriching the gene pool of declining species in protected areas. We analyzed remnants of black poplars from the Wielkopolska National Park (WNP). This species is a pioneer tree characteristic of riparian habitats. The clone archive has been established in the WNP to protect the gene pool of black poplar in this area. Nevertheless, the number of unique genotypes of black poplar in the WNP is too low. We, therefore, genotyped 128 black poplars from three groups adjacent to the WNP using 18 nuclear microsatellites and species-specific genetic markers to select individuals to enrich the archive. The results showed a generally high level of genetic diversity and low genetic differentiation (FST = 0.0353; R ST = 0.0250). It seems that all groups experienced a severe bottleneck in the distant past. Trees from Wi & oacute;rek appear to be the most suitable choice to enrich the WNP's clone archive. Differences in the gene pools of rare alleles support the inclusion of at least some individuals from & Sacute;wi & aogon;tniki. Our approach allowed the identification of a group of trees that was most likely established artificially and, therefore, not suitable for enriching the WNP's clone archive. We demonstrated that genetic research should be an integral part of a species' conservation strategy. This especially relevant for taxa whose natural populations have been subjected to anthropogenic pressures.
The generation of haploid plants and doubled haploid lines through the in vitro anther culture is an important biotechnological tool in breeding programs; however, due to the low efficiency of oat (Avena sativa L.) anther cultures, additional research is required to meet crop breeding advancement. In this study, twelve genotypes of oat (Avena sativa L.) were studied to differentiate the androgenesis competence of anthers. The capacity of anthers and microspores for embryogenesis under the influence of a cooling period (1, 2, or 3 weeks) at 4 degrees C of panicles and heat shock at 32 degrees C of anthers were tested. The statistical differences between the length of the cooling period and anther viability for all genotypes were observed. Anthers cultured for five days at 32 degrees C showed a decrease in viability compared to those not subjected to heat shock. Callus induction and embryo-like structure development were observed in seven genotypes out of the twelve examined. The largest number of calluses were obtained from genotype STH 65488 x Chimene. Among the three types of media tested, the most efficient was W14-1, on which anthers produced 12 calluses and 4 embryo-like structures, while on W14-2 and C17 media, anthers produced three calluses and two or one embryo-like structure, respectively. Haploid plants were regenerated from four genotypes: Fl & auml;mingsprofi x STH 238, STH 238 x Matilda, STH 65488 x Chimene, and S & lstrok;awko x Kasztan, and of the seven haploid plants, only two doubled haploids were obtained.
Our experiment was conducted in two stages, i.e., pretreatment (first stage) and regeneration (second stage). The first stage was carried out in a liquid Murashige and Skoog basal medium (5 mu M BAP and 0.05 mu M NAA) in a bioreactor with a RITA temporary immersion system under the light of a fluorescent lamp. Explants (bulbscales) were immersed in the medium once a day for 15 minutes (RITA 1 x 15) or three times a day for 1 (RITA 3 x 1), 5 (RITA 3 x 5), and 15 minutes (RITA 3 x 15) for one to six weeks. For regeneration, the explants were transferred onto a solid medium of the same composition for another six weeks. The bulb- scales not exposed to the liquid medium were used as a control. Biomass weight, biomass growth index, number and percentage of dry matter of bulblets, and the content of soluble sugars in the bulblets and in the liquid medium were examined. The bulblets were formed in all combinations from the third week of the culture, and their number increased in the RITA 3 x 15 combination for both the first and the second stages of the experiment. After the longest, 6-week pretreatment, more bulblets were obtained than in the control. Their fresh weight after six weeks of regeneration was positively associated with extended pretreatment time. This was in contrast with the dry weight of the bulblets, which decreased in the second stage of the experiment along with the extension of its first stage. Prolonged contact of the explants with the liquid medium during the pretreatment resulted in a higher content of soluble sugars in the bulblets at both stages of the experiment. The content of soluble sugars in the liquid medium decreased over time in all tested combinations. After six weeks of bioreactor culture, the lowest level of soluble sugars was observed in the RITA 3 x 15 combination.
The aim of this study was to complete a syntaxonomic scheme for the high alpine and subnival vegetation in the Pamir-Alai and western Tian Shan Mts. 303 relevés were sampled in 2013–2022 using the seven-degree cover-abundance scale of the Braun-Blanquet approach. The dataset was classified using the k-means algorithm. Diagnostic species were determined using the phi coefficient as a fidelity measure. Differences between vegetation units were visualized using non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS). Fifteen associations (13 newly described) and three rankless plant communities were distinguished, and grouped into three alliances: Oxytropido savellanicae-Nepetion pamiricae for high altitude subnival rupiculous and snow-bed vegetation, Stipo regelianae-Ptilagrostion malyschevii for chionophilous summit graminoid and dwarf-scrub mountain tundra in the alpine and subnival belts and Poo alpinae-Bistortion ellipticae for mesic grazed alpine pastures on fertile soils. The main factors differentiating the species composition of the researched vegetation are the mean diurnal temperature range, the sum of annual precipitation, precipitation seasonality, temperature of the driest quarter, and precipitation of the coldest quarter. Our study has expanded the knowledge of subnival snow bed, grassland, and rupiculous vegetation of the Pamir-Alai and western Tian Shan Mts. and contributed to the consistent hierarchical classification of vegetation in the region. However, further studies in neighboring regions such as the Hindu Kush, Kopet-dagh, or Altai Mts. are desirable to achieve a consistent classification of the high mountain grasslands.
The family Aspleniaceae consists of ca. 730 fern species found primarily in the tropics but present also in the temperate zone. Recently, researchers have been increasingly interested in spore morphology, as it provides valuable information used in taxonomic and phylogenetic analyses. This study aimed to (1) describe in detail spore morphology in species of the family Aspleniaceae from Central and Eastern Europe; (2) attempt to use their features in taxonomic analyses; and (3) create a key to species identification on the basis of spores. e study was based on Asplenium spores of 10 species from 57 localities. The morphological type of spores was very similar in all the studied species, whereas spore microsculpture varied widely between and within species. This makes it difficult to use spores for species identification. Nevertheless, spore morphology allows the identification of six species, while the others form groups composed of 2–3 species each. In the group consisting of A. adulterinum, A. trichomanes, and A. ruta-muraria, the last species is distinguished by larger spore size (more than 50 μm long).
Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L., Rosaceae) is a deciduous, insect-pollinated, and animal-dispersed shrub or a small tree that naturally occurs throughout Europe. The aims of this study were to describe fruit morphological variability of natural populations in the northwestern part of the Balkan Peninsula and to determine the impact of geographical and environmental conditions on shaping the species’ variability. In total, ten fruit and stone morphological traits were studied using data from twelve natural populations. e obtained data was analyzed using descriptive and multivariate statistical methods. High morphological variability was determined both among and within the studied populations. However, our study revealed no clear eco-geographical differentiation of the studied populations. High morphological variability of the populations, but also the absence of geographical and environmental structuring of populations, could be attributed to the animal-mediated dispersal of fruits over greater distances, combined with the vegetative regeneration and high levels of seed flow among populations, as well as the influence of founder effect. Based on the conducted research, valuable information on intra- and interpopulation variability of fruits’ morphological traits was obtained, which can be useful in creating the guidelines for conservation, breeding, and afforestation programs.
Dendrobium is a large group of Orchidaceae, counting more than 1,100 species, whose classification, both within the genus and individual sections, is not straightforward. Therefore, the aim of our study was to perform phylogenetic analyses for representatives of a nominal section of Dendrobium and to test the usefulness of a low-copy nuclear gene encoding a xanthine dehydrogenase protein for reconstructing phylogeny. We also wish to compare the utility of two nuclear markers, Xdh and ITS. To realize this, we analyzed the diversity of the two markers and the reliability of the resulting trees. Our results indicate that the nuclear ITS region shows higher variability and clade credibility in trees, in closely related species, and between sections than the low-copy nuclear gene. Xdh may be more reliable at higher taxonomic levels, but confirmation of this requires further research.
