Bulbophyllum section Rhytionanthos (Orchidaceae) in Vietnam with description of new taxa and new national record

The paper presents a taxonomic review of Bulbophyllum section Rhytionanthos for the flora of Vietnam and provides the key for its species’ identification. A new species, B. truongtamii and a new variety, B. taeniophyllum var. denticulatoalatum are described for science. Bulbophyllum nodosum is reported for the first time from the country. Bulbophyllum strigosum, described 20 years ago based on cultivated plant of uncertain origin was rediscovered in NE Vietnam. For this species, location and detailed description are reported. Analytical photos, data on phenology, ecology, and distribution are presented for all studied species. The morphological comparison table of the new species, new variety and newly recorded species segregating them from similar species are presented.

VARIATION OF SOME NEW MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS IN THE FIELD PEAS (PISUM SATIVUM L.)

Peas, as a valuable nutritious and cultivated plant (Myers et al., 2010), have recently received special attention for the improvement of new varieties (Kreplak et al., 2019). They are increasingly adapted to any kind of environmental conditions. Thus, we want an increased production of grains, contents in active principles as high as possible (Pownall et al., 2010), but also to increase its proportion in the structure of crops on a farm. The Alvesta variety, studied for its specific morphological characters, is one of the newest creations. Even in the slightly drier conditions of the last period (two years), this variety formed plants with heights of 42-45 cm, with a total plant weight of 7.5 g. 10 knots were formed on a pea stem (at one node the floral and fruit raceme are caught and formed). Each plant formed 4 pods, weighing 6 g and 16 berries weighing 4.5-6 g. The bean had a diameter of 7 mm and the absolute weight of the berries was 215 g. Among these morphological characters were obtained significantly positive correlations in most cases. Insignificant situations were between the absolute mass of the berries with the size of the plant, with the number of nodes, with the total number of pods and with the number of berries on a plant. Only one insignificant negative correlation was observed between the number of nodes on the stem and the diameter of the grains. Regarding the variability of the determined characters, slightly higher values were found, mainly due to the existence of the dry bottom. And yet the Alvesta variety, with improved morphological characters proved to be a good adaptability to zonal cultivation conditions.

PENGARUH KONSENTRASI DAN INTERVAL WAKTU PENYEMPROTAN BIOPESTISIDA BABANDOTAN TERHADAP INTENSITAS KERUSAKAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN KAILAN

[EFFECT OF CONCENTRATION AND TIME INTERVAL OF BABANDOTAN BIOPESTICIDE SPRAYING ON THE INTENSITY OF DAMAGE AND YIELD OF KAILAN]. Biopesticides from Ageratum conyzoides plants are used as an alternative in pest control. The used of synthetic pesticides was widespread as an effort in pest and disease control because it worked effectively and quickly, but caused resistance and resurgence of pests were bad impact on the environment for long term. The content of active compounds in Ageratum conyzoides plants such as flavonoids, anthraquinone, tannins, terpenes, phenols, saponins, alkaloids and steroids worked as controllers of various cultivated plant pests. This study aims to determine the spraying concentration and interval of spraying Ageratum conyzoides on the intensity of damage and yield of kailan plants. This research was conducted in November 2020 - January 2021 at Agroecotechnopark research land, Diponegoro University, Semarang. The experimental design used was a factorial Randomized Complete Block Design with 3 replications. The first factor was spraying concentration (10%, 30% and 50%) and the second factor was interval of spraying (once every 5 days, 10 days and 15 days). The variables observed were absolute damage rate, relative damage rate, plant height, number of leaves and fresh weight of kailan. Data were analyzed by Analysis of Variance followed by DMRT (Duncan's Multiple Range Test). The results showed that Ageratum conyzoides biopesticide was able to control pests and and to support kailan growth. Spraying babandotan biopesticide at a concentration of 50% has been able to reduce the rate of crop damage by pests, supported vegetative growth, and increased kailan growth to provide optimal yield. Spraying time interval did not affect all variables.

A comparative study of plant volatiles induced by insect and gastropod herbivory

Insect and gastropod herbivores are major plant consumers and their importance in the evolution of plant defensive traits is broadly recognized. However, their respective effects on plant responses have rarely been compared. Here we focused on plant volatile emissions (VOCs) following herbivory and compared the effects of herbivory by caterpillars of the generalist insect Spodoptera littoralis and by generalist slugs of the genus Arion on the VOCs emissions of 14 cultivated plant species. Results revealed that plants consistently produced higher amounts of volatiles and responded more specifically to caterpillar than to slug herbivory. Specifically, plants released on average 6.0 times more VOCs (total), 8.9 times more green leaf volatiles, 4.2 times more terpenoids, 6.0 times more aromatic hydrocarbons, and 5.7 times more other VOCs in response to 1 cm2 of insect damage than to 1 cm2 of slug damage. Interestingly, four of the plant species tested produced a distinct blend of volatiles following insect damage but not slug damage. These findings may result from different chemical elicitors or from physical differences in herbivory by the two herbivores. This study is an important step toward a more inclusive view of plant responses to different types of herbivores.

Technology of strip chemical treatment in the resource-saving system of agriculture in Volgograd region

To preserve and restore disturbed lands and reduce the damaging impact on air, plants and soil, it is necessary to apply resource-saving technologies. Strip-till technology is recommended for tilled crops. The technical solution is offered to increase the efficiency of the working solution use due to the rational distribution on the objects of influence and increase of its uniformity. That is, it is possible to reduce the hectare rate of consumption of the working solution by using the method of strip chemical treatment of plants. This is achieved by the redistribution of the working solution between the row and the row with the cultivated plant. The technical solution is to equip the serial sprayer with two lines with spray nozzles and special separator bodies. After a quick changeover in the field without the use of special tools, it is possible to switch from continuous spraying to strip spraying and back. At switching over to strip spraying, the spray solution is sprayed strictly along the strips of cultivated plant growth and covers the whole surface of stem and leaves. This allows reducing the cost of liquid chemicalization agents application and accurately redistributing the working solution.

Characterization of nutritional and functional properties of Lima bean flour (Phaseolus Lunatus L.)

Lima beans (Phaseolus Lunatus L.) are underutilized crops with an excellent profile. Processing to flour to enhance the starch and protein content, reducing anti-nutritional components and the same time diversifies their use as ingredients by altering their functional properties. The study aims to characterize nutritional, amino acids, anti-nutritional, pasting and functional properties of Lima bean flour from Indonesia’s cultivated plant. The results showed that the Lima bean flour has a high carbohydrate concentration, moderate protein concentration, and low fat concentration. This flour has a balanced amino acid profile, rich in essential amino acids, highlighting them as a source of good quality protein for the food formulation of protein-enriched. The Lima bean flour contained 10.36 mg/g phytic acid, lower in phenolic content (0.63 mg/g) and concentration of HCN (8.83 mg/kg). The functional properties of the Lima bean flour swelling power, solubility, water absorption capacities, and oil absorption capacities were 6.88 g/g, 18.68%, 1.93 g/g, and 1.56 g/g respectively. Pasting properties of Lima bean flour exhibited peak, breakdown, final, and setback viscosity in 1172 cP, 83 cP, 2377 cP, 1288 cP respectively, and temperature pasting was high in 870C. The study may provide useful information to consumers and food manufacturers that Lima bean flour is significant potential used to enhance the nutritional value of cereal-based foods.

Diuretic Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Physalis peruviana(Linn.) Leaves in Wistar Rats

Physalis is a genus of a perennial, herbaceous or annual plant, which is mostly the local plant of tropical North & South America. Few species of Physalis are widely distributed in warmer parts of world. Some species of Physalis grow in its edible fruits. One or two species occur wildly in India, while three other species are cultivated. Plant Physalis peruviana Linn. (Family: Solanaceae) is one of the important species of genus Physalis found in India, especially leaves & fruits have been traditionally used as a diuretic, muscle relaxant, in inflammation, for prevention of tooth decay & abdominal ailments throughout the world. The plant is reported to relieve hypertension, asthma, urinary problem & widely valued for its calming properties. The present study was initiated to investigate the diuretic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Physalis peruviana (HEPP) in Wistar rats. Hydroalcoholic extract of Physalis peruviana leaves was administered at the dose of 50, 100 & 200 mg/kg,p.o. Hydrochlorothiazide (500mg/kg, p.o.) was used as a positive control in the study. The diuretic effect of the extract was evaluated by measuring the volume of urine, sodium, chloride & potassium content in the urine sample. Urine volume significantly increased at two doses of HEPP extract that is 100 & 200 mg/kg body weight in treated rats. Excretion of chloride, sodium and potassium levels were also increased (77.42 mmol/l, 85.20 mmol/l and 43.6 mmol/l respectively) by HEPP extract (200 ml/kg).The diuretic effect of the hydroalcoholic extract was similar to hydrochlorothiazide at the dose of 200 ml/kg. This study concluded that HEPP produced a notable diuretic effect which appeared to be comparable to that produced by the standard diuretic hydrochlorothiazide. The present study provides a quantitative basis for investigating the use of Physalis peruviana as a diuretic agent.

Benefits of Polyphenols and Methylxanthines from Cocoa Beans on Dietary Metabolic Disorders

Theobroma cacao L. is an ancestral cultivated plant which has been consumed by various populations throughout history. Cocoa beans are the basic material occurring in the most consumed product in the world, namely chocolate. Their composition includes polyphenols, methylxanthines, lipids and other compounds that may vary qualitatively and quantitatively according to criteria such as variety or culture area. Polyphenols and methylxanthines are known as being responsible for many health benefits, particularly by preventing cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies emphasized their positive role in dietary metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and weight gain. After a brief presentation of cocoa bean, this review provides an overview of recent research activities highlighting promising strategies which modulated and prevented gastro-intestinal metabolism dysfunctions.

A Global Systematic Review on Biology, Production Constraints and Uses of Cyperus exculentus L. (Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species): Implications for Valorization.

Food security relies mainly on a few major crop such as wheat, maize, rice and yam. Many of the cultivated plant such as Cyperus exculentus are still considered invasive plants and are neglected and underutilized. In the perspective to valorization of the species, this systematic review aimed at identifying the biology, production constraints and uses of tigernut for future research directions. Extensive searches were carried out and studies were screened and extracted using established systematic review methods. A total of 175 papers met the inclusion criteria. Approximately 52% and 21.71% of the studies were undertaken in Europe and Africa respectively. Most of the papers reviewed for the study were published between [2010-2015[. The review highlighted the critical research gaps in genetic diversity using SSR makers and evolutionary biology. Further, production constraints and solution approaches for the promotion of the species were the other gaps identified in the reviewed studies. Production constraints were specifically related to the insufficient mineral fertilizers and difficult in harvesting. Tigernut is used in more fields such as food, medicinal, cosmetic, biofuel and fishing and fish breeding. Such investigations would help in decision-making and elaboration of breeding strategies, and advancing steps towards sustainable use of the species.

Integrating the Roles for Cytokinin and Auxin in De Novo Shoot Organogenesis: From Hormone Uptake to Signaling Outputs

De novo shoot organogenesis (DNSO) is a procedure commonly used for the in vitro regeneration of shoots from a variety of plant tissues. Shoot regeneration occurs on nutrient media supplemented with the plant hormones cytokinin (CK) and auxin, which play essential roles in this process, and genes involved in their signaling cascades act as master regulators of the different phases of shoot regeneration. In the last 20 years, the genetic regulation of DNSO has been characterized in detail. However, as of today, the CK and auxin signaling events associated with shoot regeneration are often interpreted as a consequence of these hormones simply being present in the regeneration media, whereas the roles for their prior uptake and transport into the cultivated plant tissues are generally overlooked. Additionally, sucrose, commonly added to the regeneration media as a carbon source, plays a signaling role and has been recently shown to interact with CK and auxin and to affect the efficiency of shoot regeneration. In this review, we provide an integrative interpretation of the roles for CK and auxin in the process of DNSO, adding emphasis on their uptake from the regeneration media and their interaction with sucrose present in the media to their complex signaling outputs that mediate shoot regeneration.