Plant-derived natural substances have been utilized to treat different health conditions in individuals. Phytochemicals are metabolites produced by plants as secondary compounds. They are naturally occurring chemical compounds in plants that are biologically active. In the current study, the phytochemical components found in butanolic extracts of the leaves, stems, and roots of Erythrina variegata were determined through Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis to evaluate their biological activity. GC-MS analysis of butanolic extracts from leaves, stems, and roots identified seven, five, and seven bioactive compounds, respectively. The key prevalent bioactive compounds found in the butanolic extracts of the leaf, stem, and root include Butane, 1,1-dibutoxy with peak areas of 54.89 %, 66.62 %, and 64.59 %, respectively, while the butanolic extract of the root shows the highest peak area for Butanoic acid, butyl ester at 10. 14%. The research reveals the existence of different phytochemicals in the butanolic extracts of the leaf, stem, and root of E. variegata, demonstrating antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and other therapeutic attributes.
At Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Teaching and Research Farm, Ogbomoso, we conducted this experiment during the major planting seasons of 2019 and 2020 to determine the effects of Petiveria alliacea and Azadirachta indica extracts as botanical insecticides and synthetic insecticides (cypermethrin and dichlorvos) on the yield parameters, proximate, phytochemical, and mineral contents of okra. We included untreated plants in the experiment for comparison. We arranged the treatments in a randomized complete block design, replicating each treatment three times. We collected data on the plant height, leaf area, and yield, proximate, phytochemical, and mineral contents of the harvested okra fruits. The results revealed that cypermethrin and P. alliacea extracts had a higher okra plant height (36.5 cm), but all the treatments had the same effects on leaf area. However, tested plant extracts and synthetic insecticides produced the same okra fruit yield. Harvested okra fruits from plants treated with dichlorvos had the highest proximate contents, followed by P. alliacea and A. indica extracts. Meanwhile, okra fruits from plants treated with P. alliacea extracts had the highest phytochemical contents (5.2 mg/100 g), but okra fruits from A. indica and P. alliacea had the highest mineral contents (234.1 to 231.5 mg/100 g). Therefore, we can use the two tested plant extracts as stimulants for okra plant growth and nutritional enhancers.
Arabidopsis thaliana mitogen-activated protein kinase (MPK) signaling network plays a role in various cellular processes. This study integrated protein-protein interaction, genetic interaction, and co-expression data from the STRING, BioGRID, and ATTED-II databases to provide a comprehensive dataset of interactions within the network. The key MPK network components from this set were identified and subjected to functional enrichment analysis, which revealed their involvement in diverse biological processes and pathways. This integrative approach, combining multiple sources of evidence, provides a comprehensive approach for understanding Arabidopsis thaliana MPK signaling network. The findings demonstrate the complex regulatory mechanisms that play a role in plant stress responses and development.
The investigation was to analyze for yield characters and competition indices in fonio-maize intercrop. NCRIACH2 fonio and DMR-SR maize were deployed, inter-cropping arrangement was in eleven proportions, having 10 rows of planting patterns. Higher land productivity and greater resource efficiency through increased yield and crop diversification were generally observed. 1F:1M combination recorded 32% advantage in land productivity, while 3F:1M has 1.55, showing significant land-use efficiency when fonio constitutes 75% of the system. FM 100:100 combination system indicated that maize and fonio can complement each other. 1F:3M system resulted in reduced fonio performance due to maize’s dominance. Relative Crowding coefficient values confirm that maize has higher competitive pressure on fonio than vice versa. 1F:2M and 2F:2M systems could potentially balance for crop yield while optimizing space, nutrients, and water usage. Farmers in rain-fed areas are encouraged to adopt inter-cropping systems, particularly those with a balanced ratio of fonio and maize.
Arabidopsis thaliana mitogen-activated protein kinase (MPK or MAPK) signaling network plays significant roles in various cellular processes. The three-dimensional structure of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 2 (MKK2), an upstream kinase in the MAP kinase cascade, was predicted using AlphaFold 2, and protein-protein docking simulations were performed between MPK6 and MKK2. The docking analysis identified important residues mediating their interaction. This structural prediction and protein docking analysis provide a further understanding at protein structure level.
Globally, hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases that account for around 17 million deaths. Despite more studies and management measures, the cause of hypertension is barely unknown, auxiliary antihypertensive medications have some drawbacks which include high prices, adverse effects, and resistivity. The little or no side effects posed by alternative medicines and patient compliance to medicinal plants raised interest in investigating Blighia sapida K. D. Koenig (Ackee) for its bioactive agents including proteins that could be responsible for its antihypertensive properties. Ethanol leave extract was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis to detect the various bioactive compounds, two proteins that play prominent roles in hypertension were studied and retrieved for Molecular Docking using 3D crystal structures, wizard module of Schrödinger Maestro 12.8 employed to prepare the protein. The results of the docking computations were cleaned and analyzed using Excel spreadsheet software. Following receptor and ligand preparation, molecular docking computations were conducted using Glide's ligand docking plugin with extra precision docking to rigorously score ligand-protein interactions. Further graphical representations of the docking results were created using the R Studio package and GraphPad Prism V8.0. Visualization of the molecular interactions of the ligand-protein complexes was conducted. The GC-MS identified a total of 33 compounds in the ethanol extract: Benzenecarboximidothioic acid, N-phenyl-, 4-nitrophenyl ester, N-Serylserine and Palmitic Acid among others. During molecular docking, in-silico pharmacokinetics, and toxicological profiling, serylserine and pirenzepine were identified for their potential interactions with other important proteins related to hypertension including the calcium ion channel and the angiotensin II receptor (ARB). Serylserine and pirenzepine showed potential binding energy against the targeted proteins. This study could produce new antihypertensive medications that are less expensive, more widely available, and less likely to cause adverse effects, thereby meeting public health requirements, particularly in poor nations.
Alien plant species can significantly affect the structure and functioning of natural habitats, especially under anthropogenic conditions. In this context, this study provides new information on the spread of alien plant species in the flora of Romania, including Amaranthus palmeri, Azolla filiculoides, Datura wrightii, Dittrichia graveolens, Eclipta prostrata, Erigeron sumatrensis, E. bonariensis, Euphorbia prostrata, Oenothera depressa and Paspalum distichum subsp. paucispicatum, etc. Most of these species, already naturalized in anthropically disturbed areas, affect biodiversity in natural habitats, in some cases. Some species studied show varied ecological adaptations, occupying different niches. For example, Eriochloa villosa spreads in agricultural lands, Oenothera depressa along rivers, Azolla filiculoides and Heteranthera limosa in puddles and ponds, and Amaranthus palmeri in ruderal lands associated with railways and bus stations, etc. Many of the species analysed show a tendency to expand their distribution areas in Romania. There is a lack of national-level management strategies to eradicate or control alien plant species, including those with invasive potential, thereby allowing their uncontrolled expansion. Voucher specimens collected in the field are deposited in the Herbarium of the University of Life Sciences Iasi (IASI), the Herbarium of the “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, “Anastasie Fatu” Botanic Garden Iasi (IAGB), the Herbarium of the University of Craiova (CRA) or in the personal herbaria.
Chrysanthemum white rust (CWR), caused by Puccinia horiana Henn., is a quarantine disease that poses a serious threat to chrysanthemum production under protected cultivation. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, severity, and cultivar-specific responses to CWR in a greenhouse collection of Chrysanthemum × grandiflorum Ramat. at the “Anastasie Fătu” Botanical Garden of Iași, Romania. A total of 35 cultivars (1,120 plants) were monitored under uniform greenhouse conditions between 2020 and 2023 growing seasons. Disease assessment was based on systematic visual inspections, microscopic confirmation of the pathogen, and quantitative evaluation using Disease Incidence, Disease Severity Index, and standardized Combined Score integrating both parameters. Cultivars were classified into susceptibility categories ranging from tolerant to highly susceptible. In 2020, disease incidence ranged from 0% in resistant cultivars to over 90% in highly susceptible ones, with corresponding variations in disease severity. The implementation of integrated management strategies, including cultural practices, curative fungicide applications at 13 and 15 weeks after planting, and preventive treatments at 5 weeks after planting, resulted in a significant reduction in disease incidence and severity in 2021. Continuous monitoring combined with preventive treatments in 2022 and 2023 led to the complete suppression of CWR, with no visible symptoms observed across all cultivars. Several cultivars consistently exhibited resistance throughout the study, while others showed high susceptibility under initial disease pressure. The findings demonstrate that the integration of resistant cultivars with early preventive measures and continuous monitoring is essential for the sustainable management of P. horiana in greenhouse chrysanthemum production. This study provides a practical framework for disease assessment and supports informed cultivar selection and integrated disease control strategies for ornamental crops.
As a result of the new floristic investigations in the Republic of Moldova, the species Dryopteris dilatata (Hoffm.) A.Gray was recorded for the first time. It was found in the lower part of a forested valley near the Unguri comune of Ocniţa district. This species is proposed to be included in the Red Book of the Republic of Moldova, the 4th edition, Critically Endangered (CR) category.
The article presents the results of a mycological study carried out in the Tătăruşi Forest Reserve, where there were recorded 44 species of wood-inhabiting macromycetes, in 31 plots with beech trunks in different stages of decomposition. The relationships between fungal diversity and trunk parameters, forest cover were analyzed using multivariate statistical methods. The number of species ranged between 5-19 species per sample plot. The highest diversity was recorded in plots with trunks without bark, with larger volume, not exposed to the sun. Most fungal taxa were recorded on woody debris in the IV degree of decomposition. The lignicolous macromycetes were separated into two groups mainly depending on the degree of substrate decomposition.
The article presents a numerical analysis of shrubs-dominated vegetation in Neagra Brostenilor river basin (Romanian Eastern Carpathians). The study focuses on the floristic variability and syntaxonomic diversity of these vegetation types, on diagnostic species, and ecological preferences. Data classification, carried out using a hierarchical agglomerative clustering procedure, revealed seven well-defined plant communities, related to associations described in the literature based on their diagnostic species: Digitali ambigue - Calamagrostietum arundinaceae Sillinger 1933 subass. spiraeetosum chamaedryfoliae (Resm. et Csurös 1966) Coldea 1991, Rubetum idaei Gams 1927, Salici - Alnetum viridis Colic et al. 1962, Rhododendro myrtifolii - Pinetum mugo Coldea 1991, Rhododendro myrtifolii - Vaccinietum Coldea et al. 1981, Campanulo abietinae - Juniperetum nanae Simon 1966 and Empetro - Vaccinietum gaultherioidis Br.-Bl. in Br.-Bl. et Jenny 1926 corr. Grabherr in Grabherr et Mucina 1993. All described syntaxa were characterized in terms of diagnostic, constant and dominant species, distribution, and aspects related to floristic and phytosociological composition.
This paper describes the slightly acidic hill forests of Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl. with Tilia tomentosa Mill. from the Republic of Moldova, grouped into 3 associations: Carpino orientalis-Quercetum petraeae Pînzaru, Sfecla et Cantemir, ass. nov. hoc loco, Tilio tomentosae-Quercetum petraeae Sârbu 1979 corr. Pînzaru, Sfecla et Cantemir hoc loco, Hieracio umbrosi-Quercetum petraeae Pînzaru, Cantemir, Manic & Popescu 2017 from the suballiance Tilio tomentosae-Quercion petraeae (Pînzaru & Cantemir 2023) Pînzaru, Sfecla et Cantemir, stat. nov. hoc loco. These associations occur on plateaus, in the upper part of the hills, at an altitude of 138-367 m, on yellow sands, devoid of soil, or on virgin brown or gray luvic soils, formed on sandy, loamy-clayey rocks, with the pH value ranging from 4.5 to 6.0. The phytocoenoses of the associations Carpino orientalis-Quercetum petraeae, Hieracio umbrosi-Quercetum petraeae are rare and it is proposed to include them in the future List of rare associations in the Republic of Moldova.
The observations comprise a comparative study of the anatomical structure of the perennial stem in the species Rosa canina L., R. damascena Mill., R. rubiginosa L., and R. rugosa Thunb., cultivated in the Botanical Garden of Iasi. Cambial activity gives rise to a relatively thin outer ring of secondary phloem and to several rings of secondary xylem, which indicate the age of the examined branch. Within the phloem ring, conducting elements (sieve tubes and companion cells), phloem parenchyma cells (some containing idioblasts), and irregularly dispersed libriform fibres with thickened, lignified walls can be distinguished, these fibres being more abundant in R. rugosa. In R. rubiginosa, the phloem fibres are arranged in two layers separated by phloem parenchyma. At the periphery of the phloem ring, in contact with the inner layers of the primary cortex, thick bands of sclerenchymatous fibres with very thick, heavily lignified walls (with a punctiform lumen) are visible, especially in R. canina and R. damascena. Analysis of the secondary xylem shows its ring-porous aspect in all observed species. Each growth ring displays on its inner side vessels of larger diameter (representing the earlywood), separated by libriform fibres with strongly thickened, intensely lignified walls. On the outer side, each ring contains fewer vessels of smaller diameter, with libriform fibres predominating – a feature common to all examined species. In contact with the pith, remnants of the primary xylem can still be observed, completely lignified and protruding as small bundles into the pith. All annual rings of secondary xylem are traversed by numerous multiseriate medullary rays, usually of uniform width or variable in R. canina. In all cases, the rays consist of radially elongated cells with relatively thin but lignified walls. In all species, the oldest ring of secondary xylem is thicker than the subsequent ones, in which large-diameter vessels predominate. The pith exhibits a network-like appearance, in which very large, thin-walled parenchyma cells are separated by much smaller cells with moderately thickened but strongly lignified walls.
The azalea and camellia collection of the “Anastasie Fătu” Botanical Garden of the “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași holds an important significance for the horticultural value of the plant inventory cultivated in greenhouses. It includes 45 valuable taxa, mainly due to their size and age. The specimens in the collection are showcased through exhibitions organized annually since 1975, so in 2025 the 50th edition took place. In the Romanian botanical space, this collection has represented a constant, even in cases where specialized information regarding these taxa was rare or confusing.
The given paper provides recent data on the rare species, Epipactis palustris (L.) Crantz, (family Orchidaceae) from the “Codrii” Scientific Reserve, Republic of Moldova, including the current state of the taxon population, the degree of threat, the endangered category (according to IUCN requirements). Likewise, it contains the morphological description of the species, the ecological and chorological particularities and the characteristics of the habitat under study. Limiting factors are identified and protective measures are proposed.
Rare plant species are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic influences, which contribute to reducing their populations and restricting their distribution areas. The objective of this study was to reconfirm the information on the distribution of three rare plant species – Tripidium ravennae, Trachomitum venetum, and Stachys maritima, within the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, Romania. The research was carried out between 2019 and 2023. The results highlighted that the respective species are rare by showing limited distribution and small populations. Among the main threats to the survival of these species are tourism development, overgrazing, and soil compaction. Trachomitum venetum is a rare plant species in specific communities, showcasing its selective habitat preferences. Tripidium ravennae is a rare species in specific plant subassociations and plant associations, indicating its limited distribution. Stachys maritima is rare within different plant communities, reflecting its adaptability to varied environmental conditions within the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve.
Nutritional and oil profile of the seeds of Sesamum indicum and Vitellaria paradoxa from Sokoto, Nigeria was carried out using standard biochemical procedures. Proximate, ascorbic acid, mineral analysis as well as extraction, quantification and the physicochemical analysis of the seed oil were assessed. On proximate and ascorbic acid analysis. The seeds were found to contain appreciable amounts of crude proteins with 18.23% and 8.70% obtained in S. indicum and V. paradoxa respectively. Lipid contents revealed 42.51% in S. indicum and 51.34% in V. paradoxa respectively. Total carbohydrates revealed that 39.03% and 52.12% were obtained in S. indicum and V. paradoxa respectively. Crude fiber contents revealed 5.31 g/100 g in S. indicum while in V. paradoxa, 7.11 g/100 g was recorded. Percentage ash contents revealed 6.62% and 4.61% in S. indicum and V. paradoxa respectively. Available energy (kj) revealed that S. indicum had 603.04 kj/100 g while V. paradoxa had 614.12 kj/100 g respectively signaling them as formidable energy sources. Ascorbic acid analysis revealed 97.36 mg/100 g and 179.16 mg/100 g in S. indicum and V. paradoxa respectively. With significant difference (P=0.05) in the contents of crude proteins, crude lipid, crude carbohydrate, calorific value and ascorbic acid between the two sampled seeds. Minerals analysis revealed that the two seeds were rich in most of the essential minerals required for healthy growth and development. For instance, sodium was found to be 2.67 mg/100 g in S. indicum while 2.23 mg/100 g was identified in V. paradoxa. Potassium, magnesium and phosphorus results indicate that S. indicum had 56.96 mg/100 g, 62.12 mg/100 g and 76.72 mg/100 g and V. paradoxa had 46.72 mg/100 g, 31.64 mg/100 g and 116.74 mg/100 g respectively. With significant difference (P=0.05) in the contents of potassium, magnesium and phosphorus oil extraction and its physicochemical properties revealed that the two seed contained substantial amounts of oil with 38.23% in S. indicum and 43.14% in V. paradoxa respectively. Acid value analysis showed that S. indicum had 32.14 mg KOH/kg while V. paradoxa had 33.24 mg KOH/kg. Saponification value analysis revealed that 131.86 mg KOH in S. indicum while 154.74 mg KOH was found in V. paradoxa. Iodine value analyzed showed that 116.86 g I2 /100 g in S. indicum while 124.77 g I2 /100 g was obtained in V. paradoxa while % Free Fatty Acid analysis revealed that S. indicum had 7.63% while V. paradoxa had 8.74% respectively. With significant difference (P=0.05) between the two species in percentage yield, saponification and iodine values between the two seeds. The two studied seed types are endowed with natural food reserves and other much needed raw materials that could have industrial application making the seeds as formidable ingredients required for use by man.
The total activity of antioxidant substances, oxidases, and catalases was evaluated in the leaves of three oak species – pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.), sessile oak (Q. petraea Liebl.), and downy oak (Q. pubescens Willd.) from the Republic of Moldova, subjected to thermal shock at 50 °C for durations of 20, 40, and 60 minutes. The study aimed to identify variations as well as common and divergent responses of these species according to ecological zone, thermal shock duration, and recovery period, in order to assess their thermotolerance and specific adaptations to environmental conditions. The results showed that during the recovery period, leaves of pedunculate oak and downy oak from the center and southern regions, as well as sessile oak from the center region, exhibited high total antioxidant activity. Additionally, pedunculate oak and sessile oak from the center and southern regions displayed increased oxidase activity, while sessile oak from the center region demonstrated high catalase activity, indicating the activation of adaptive processes to thermal shock. Conversely, pedunculate oak and sessile oak from the northern region exhibited a decrease in total antioxidant and oxidase activity during the recovery period, suggesting an increase in leaf thermotolerance. Moreover, the downy oak from the northern region demonstrated an increase in thermotolerance, reflected in the activity of all types of antioxidant substances after extended recovery periods. The study demonstrated that the investigated oak species enhance their thermotolerance in the northern region by developing specific adaptive strategies to thermal shock. These oak species adjust their antioxidant and enzymatic activity in accordance with the specific environmental conditions of the ecological zone in which they grow.
Species composition and diversity of lignicolous fungi occurring in representative Fagus sp. forests have been analyzed along an altitude gradient, in 14 locations from the eastern region of Romania, including mountain forests (Borca, Gosman, Nemtisor, Tarcau), as well as hill forests (Arsura, Bârnova, Dalhauti, Dragomirna, Gâdinti, Homita, Humosu, Magura Ocnei, Runc, Valea Fagilor). The investigations were carried out over three successive years (2020-2022) in a total of 40 study plots with a size of 1000 square meters each. Identification of the main fungal groups was realized using a hierarchical agglomerative clustering procedure, and the differential species were determined based on their indicator value, while the relationship between fungal composition and environmental variables was assessed with detrended correspondence analysis. A total of 89 species of wood-inhabiting fungi has been identified, with approximately 2500 records. These species were grouped in three different clusters: one specific to the mixed broadleaved-coniferous forest in (sub) mountain areas, one specific to hornbeam - beech communities in hilly areas, and one specific to more thermophilic forest communities with Fagus taurica. The main ecological factors influencing the fungal composition were altitude, average annual precipitations and average annual temperatures, which also influence the trees species composition of the analyzed forests.
