Coexistence of rice production and threatened plant species: testing Marsilea quadrifolia L. in N-Italy

In the past, the aquatic pteridophyte Marsilea quadrifolia L. was considered as a weed in paddy fields of southern Europe. The systematic use of herbicides as a crucial component of intensive agronomic approach has led to a dramatic decline in M. quadrifolia populations in European countries, mostly in the Mediterranean area. However, the introduction in recent years of sustainable rice cultivation practices has allowed partial recovery. We present here the results of a research aimed at analyzing the effects of farming typologies in respect to M. quadrifolia growth in the Po Valley area. After having transplanted M. quadrifolia swards in rice fields belonging to different farming systems, we monitored its growth and diffusion. Our results showed that M. quadrifolia has higher vegetative performance in organic farms, even though it can survive in conventional fields with reduced herbicide supply. Differences in water chemistry have limited effects on M. quadrifolia performance, because of its wide ecological amplitude. The shady conditions provided by rice canopy create micro-habitats suitable for M. quadrifolia growth. Cultivating M. quadrifolia in organic rice farms represents an important opportunity for preserving this endangered species in areas of intensive agriculture. This can, meanwhile, represent a valid opportunity to combine nature conservation and productivity offering a new possible income for farmers.

Antibacterial greener silver nanoparticles synthesized using Marsilea quadrifolia extract and their eco-friendly evaluation against Zika virus vector, Aedes aegypti

Fabrication and use of nanoparticles have progressively enlarged within the last decade. Herein the silver nanoparticles (AgNps) were synthesized via the extract from Marsilea quadrifolia (Mq) as a decreasing and steadying mediator. The Mq-AgNPs demonstrated superior toxicity on Zika virus vector, Aedes aegypti with the LC50 value of 10.69 µg·mL−1. The Mq-AgNPs were established securely to non-target organisms Artemia nauplii and Ceriodaphnia cornuta, and no structural or anatomical alterations confirm its security to the surroundings. The antibacterial activity exposed that Mq-AgNPs showed superior growth inhibition effect against the tested bacteria. Furthermore, the Mq-AgNPs showed strong antioxidant activities when compared to Mq leaf extract. Overall, our results highlight that Mq-AgNPs are hopeful and biodegradable devices against mosquito vectors of therapeutic significance, with moderate toxicity against non-target aquatic animals.

Assessment of Macro and Microelement Accumulation Capability of Aquatic Weeds Growing with Gorgon Nut

Gorgon nut (Euryale ferox Salisb.) is an aquatic plant, and generally grows in ponds or lakes with aquatic weeds and thus faces strong competition for the uptake of nutrients from the growing medium. However, weeds can be used as roughages for animals and for organic compost as weeds remove nutrients from water bodies. Furthermore, their nutrient absorption capacity has not been studied in detail especially when they are growing in association with gorgon nut. In this study, an attempt has been made to assess the food value of Marsilea quadrifolia, Eichhornia cressipes, Ceratophyllum demersum, Ipomoea aquatica and Azolla pinnata, growing in association with gorgon nut. The results showed that Ipomoea aquatic had the highest protein content while N concentration was highest in Azolla pinnata (3.60 %). The maximum P and K content were found in Ceratophillum demersum and Ipomoea aquatica, respectively. The highest accumulation of heavy metals was observed in the tissues of Marsilea quadrifolia and lowest in Ipomoea aquatica.

Assessment of Macro and Microelement Accumulation Capability of Aquatic Weeds Growing with Gorgon Nut

Gorgon nut (Euryale ferox Salisb.) is an aquatic plant, and generally grows in ponds or lakes with aquatic weeds and thus faces strong competition for the uptake of nutrients from the growing medium. However, weeds can be used as roughages for animals and for organic compost as weeds remove nutrients from water bodies. Furthermore, their nutrient absorption capacity has not been studied in detail especially when they are growing in association with gorgon nut. In this study, an attempt has been made to assess the food value of Marsilea quadrifolia, Eichhornia cressipes, Ceratophyllum demersum, Ipomoea aquatica and Azolla pinnata, growing in association with gorgon nut. The results showed that Ipomoea aquatic had the highest protein content while N concentration was highest in Azolla pinnata (3.60 %). The maximum P and K content were found in Ceratophillum demersum and Ipomoea aquatica, respectively. The highest accumulation of heavy metals was observed in the tissues of Marsilea quadrifolia and lowest in Ipomoea aquatica.

Anti-venom activities of methanol extract of Marsilea quadrifolia Linn (Marsileaceae) against Russell’s Viper venom

The methanol extract of Marsilea quadrifolia Linn is explored aimed for the first time for anti-venom activity. The Marsilea quadrifolia Linn extract extensively antagonized Russell’s viper venom-induced lethality, haemorrhage, necrotizing, defibrinogenating and paw edema activities were extensively neutralized by plant extract. The above explanation confirmed that methanol extract of Marsilea quadrifolia Linn acquire persuasive snake venom neutralizing capability and could theoretically be used for therapeutic rationale in case of snakebite envenomation.