Inheritance of NmDef02 synthetic defensin gene and hpt selectable marker in four successive generations of transgenic rice (Oryza sativa, cv. J-104)

The evaluation of the inheritance and stability of the transgenes is essential for the application of transgenic plants in agriculture. In this work, we studied the inheritance of two transgenes in T1, T2, T3 and T4 rice progenies. Transgenic rice plants (cv. J-104) was obtained by biolistic method using a synthetic defensin gene (NmDef02) and hpt as selectable marker gene, co-transformed in a 4:1 proportion, respectively. Regenerated plants were acclimated under natural conditions. The study started from the primary transformants that fulfilled the agronomic characters reported by the experts for the J-104 rice cultivar in the maturation stage. The integration and relative expression of NmDef02 in T1 plants was verified by Southern blot and qRT-PCR, respectively. The inheritance of transgenes over four generations was analyzed by PCR. The following transgene combinations were identified: NmDef02(+)hpt(+), NmDef02(+)hpt(-) and NmDef02(-)hpt(-). The most advantageous combination was NmDef02(+)hpt(-), which corresponded to the marker-free plants harboring the gene of interest. The inheritance of NmDef02 was confirmed in T1 and T2 progenies, but in some T3 and T4 lines the loss of this gene was verified. This inheritance analysis provided information concerning the transgenic population, but the mechanisms that destabilize the inheritance of the gene of interest will be the goal of future research.

Effects of phosphorus, indolebutyric acid and naphthylphthalamic acid on the lateral root growth of Poncirus trifoliata

To explore the influence of phosphorus (P), indolebutyric acid (IBA, Auxin) and Naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA, Auxin transport inhibitor) on plant lateral root (LR) formation, Poncirus trifoliata seedlings at two P levels, low P (LP) and control treatment (CK), which was applied with IBA and NPA, and the regulative effects of P level, IBA and NPA on LR formation of trifoliate orange were investigated. The results showed that LP level significantly reduced the plant biomass, LR number and length. NPA significantly decreased the plant biomass, LR number and length, while IBA did not significantly influence these parameters. These data suggested that auxin signaling pathway could be involved in the regulation of P level on LR formation, and the auxin transportation should be the key factor in LR formation of trifoliate orange.

Three species of acrocarpous mosses, distributional records to the Bryoflora of Peninsular India

Three species of acrocarpous mosses, viz., Entosthodon wallichii Mitt. (Funariaceae), Splachnobryum aquaticum Mull.Hal. (Splachnobryaceae), and Tortula rubripila Dixon (Pottiaceae), collected from different localities of Andhra Pradesh, are new distributional records for Peninsular India.

Preliminary study on morphological diversity of cowpea accessions [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] collected in the North of Côte d’Ivoire

The collection and characterization of the diversity of local cowling ecotypes is an important lever in defining the species’ strategies for varietal improvement. The purpose of this study was to generate information on the diversity of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] cultivars in the savannah area of Côte d’Ivoire. Collecting missions were carried out from December 2017 to February 2018, among farmers and traders in nine departments in the north of Côte d’Ivoire. These missions brought together 48 local cowpea ecotypes in seed form. These accessions were characterized on the basis of eight morphological characters, including two quantitative characters (weight of 100 seeds and length of seeds) and six qualitative characters (color, shape, presence of stain, appearance, eye shape and color around the hilum of seed). Overall, the results showed considerable variability in seed coat coloration in varying proportions. Overall, 35.42% of the samples collected were white, 33.33% were red and 31.25% were other colors. The Multiple Correspondence analysis carried out using all the qualitative characters made it possible to group the 48 accessions collected into 16 morphological groups or morphotypes with distinct characteristics. In addition, they reflect a good part of the morphological diversity of cowpea accessions from the north of Côte d'Ivoire that could be exploited in varietal selection programs for the species.

Effect of nursery substrate on the growth of Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. seedlings

The high pressures on Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. severely affect its natural stands in West Africa. The measures taken to reverse this trend are still inefficient due to plantlets production constraints. This study aims to understand the importance of growing substrates on seedlings growth in nursery. Composite soil samples were collected at 20 cm depth from 4 seed trees in 5 different sites in Togo (West Africa). Two batches were made for each site, one of which was sterilized by autoclave and the other has received no treatment. Three growing parameters (length of stem, number of buds and number of leaves) of the plantlets obtained from sterilized seeds were measured during 20 weeks in the nursery. Results show for each site a significantly better growing rate of seedlings on unsterilized substrates, compared to sterilized substrates. At the end of the experiment, plantlets were 8.75 ± 2.32 cm mean height on sterilized substrates when they reach 19.20 ± 5.00 cm on unsterilized substrates. The mean number of buds and leaves per plantlet varies from 2.23 ± 1.71 buds and 3.00 ± 1.86 leaves to 10.73 ± 3.28 buds and 11.09 ± 2.48 leaves at the same date, respectively on sterilized and unsterilized substrates. The low growing rate on sterilized substrates should be linked to the low capacity of plantlets in mobilizing phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen without microorganisms. Negative impacts of sterilization were highlighted on seedlings by necrosis of buds and leaves from the 7th week of growth, demonstrating a positive effect of soil microorganisms on the proper development of the seedlings.

Triphala: An Indian Ayurvedic herbal formulation for coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) disease (Covid-19)

This review paper updated the significance and pharmaceutical effects of Triphala as an alternative traditional herbal Indian folk medicine used as a immunity booster during the recent outbreak of coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) mutants, Delta (B.1.617.2) and Delta Plus (AY.1). The current outbreak of coronavirus-2 mutants, Delta (B.1.617.2) and Delta Plus (AY.1) is wreaking havoc in India. The new epicentre of the highest number of corona viral mutant infection cases and death rate has been recorded in Indonesia. The hallmark of the coronavirus disease is the cytokine storm, a massive cytokine and chemokine release due to an uncontrolled dysregulation of the host immune defence that causes loss of function of multiple organs and leading to death. One of the evidence to support Triphala alone inhibited the RNA viruses including human coronavirus. Triphala herbal formulation can reduce the production of progeny of human coronavirus, HCoV-NL63 particles and have an antiviral effect under in vitro conditions. In India, Triphala herbal formulation with an additional supplementation of pumpkin seeds, coconut water, sugar cane juice, Aloe vera juice, neem (Azardirachta indica) leaf juice, and melatonin rich diet has played an important role in controlling coronavirus disease than Triphala alone. However, clinical trials of Triphala with new additional supplementations is lacking for the scientific validation. On the basis literature survey, there is a ray of hope for the Triphala with additional supplementation as a new therapeutic drug for combating Covid-19 viral infections.

Phytodiversity of agroforestry systems with coffee trees and degree of Loranthaceae infestation in the department of Daloa (Central-West, Côte d'Ivoire)

The floristic condition of the agroforestry systems established on coffee trees in Daloa, in the Central-West of the Côte d'Ivoire has been carried out. Surface surveys and itinerant surveys identified 123 species, 93 genera and 37 families. Euphorbiaceae and Moraceae are the most represented families. The study made it possible to count 52.03% of the species of the Guinean-Congolese region, 27.65% of the transition species (GC-SZ), 11.3% of the indeterminate species, 5.69% of the endemic species West African and 2.44% of the GCI block species. The degree of infestation of plant species evaluated shows that the values vary from 8.33% at Alchornea cordifolia to 79.17% in Spondias mombin. The results also indicated a significant difference between the degrees of infestation of plant species according to the DBH, the age of the coffee plantations. The rate of infestation of plant species is 33.35±9.84% and the intensity of infestation is 2.83±0.60 tufts/plant. The analysis of the degree of infestation among others of Albizia zygia, Cecropia peltata, Cola nitida, Persea americana, and Spondias mombin has made it possible to identify major problems of Loranthaceae infestation sources posed by the presence of these species in coffee plantations.

Gnaphalium pulvinatum Delile (Asteraceae): A new record for the flora of Kachchh district, Gujarat, India

Gnaphalium pulvinatum Delile (Asteraceae) has been reported first time as a new record to the flora of Kachchh district from ‘Kundh’ pond of Ratiya forest of Bhuj taluka. A description, distribution and detail photographs of the species are provided to easy identification.

Diversity of climbers in Vallanadu Black-buck Sanctuary, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu

In climbers the stems are weak and these plants need various climbing devices in order to support growth and development. The climbers are predominately angiosperms. The present study chiefly focuses on diversity of climbers in Vallanadu Black-buck Sanctuary. The present study recorded 28 herbaceous climbers and 14 lianas from the scrub forest of Vallanadu Black-buck sanctuary. In dicotyledons, 15 families containing 33 genera and 40 species were recorded. In monocotyledons, 2 families containing 1 genus and 1species each were recorded. The present study reported invasive species such as Ipomoea obscura, Ipomoea pes-tigridis, Clitoria ternatea and Passiflora foetida. The present study recorded 24 medicinal climbers. Conservation of climber and lianas is the need of the hour and climbers provide valuable germplasm as medicinal plants for the benefit of humankind.

The research of Chuci plant and excavation of Chu cultural elements in China

With regards to Chuci plant, this study explore the Chu cultural connotation of plants in the park and the importance of planning, the distribution characteristics of Chuci plants to mining park, growth habit and cultural qualities, research of Chu plants in the park planning and design of cultural inheritance, continuation and development, the analysis summary of Chu cultural theme park planning and design methods. It can provide theoretical reference and reference for enhancing the Chu culture atmosphere of the park. In addition, this paper evaluates the Chu cultural elements of various plants in the planning and design of the park and their effects on the creation of cultural atmosphere in the park. Therefore, innovative suggestions are put forward in the planning and design of the park to create the park landscape with Chu culture characteristics, Chu culture connotation and Chu culture artistic conception.