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Paschalidis K, Fanourakis D, Tsaniklidis G, Tsichlas I, Tzanakakis VA, Bilias F, Samara E, Ipsilantis I, Grigoriadou K, Samartza I, Matsi T, Tsoktouridis G, Krigas N. DNA Barcoding and Fertilization Strategies in Sideritis syriaca subsp. syriaca, a Local Endemic Plant of Crete with High Medicinal Value. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1891. [PMID: 38339166 PMCID: PMC10856587 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Herein, we applied DNA barcoding for the genetic characterization of Sideritis syriaca subsp. syriaca (Lamiaceae; threatened local Cretan endemic plant) using seven molecular markers of cpDNA. Five fertilization schemes were evaluated comparatively in a pilot cultivation in Crete. Conventional inorganic fertilizers (ChFs), integrated nutrient management (INM) fertilizers, and two biostimulants were utilized (foliar and soil application). Plant growth, leaf chlorophyll fluorescence, and color were assessed and leaf content of chlorophyll, key antioxidants (carotenoids, flavonoids, phenols), and nutrients were evaluated. Fertilization schemes induced distinct differences in leaf shape, altering quality characteristics. INM-foliar and ChF-soil application promoted yield, without affecting tissue water content or biomass partitioning to inflorescences. ChF-foliar application was the most stimulatory treatment when the primary target was enhanced antioxidant contents while INM-biostimulant was the least effective one. However, when the primary target is yield, INM, especially by foliar application, and ChF, by soil application, ought to be employed. New DNA sequence datasets for the plastid regions of petB/petD, rpoC1, psbK-psbI, and atpF/atpH were deposited in the GenBank for S. syriaca subsp. syriaca while the molecular markers rbcL, trnL/trnF, and psbA/trnH were compared to those of another 15 Sideritis species retrieved from the GenBank, constructing a phylogenetic tree to show their genetic relatedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Paschalidis
- Department of Agriculture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece; (D.F.); (I.T.); (V.A.T.)
| | - Dimitrios Fanourakis
- Department of Agriculture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece; (D.F.); (I.T.); (V.A.T.)
| | - Georgios Tsaniklidis
- Hellenic Agricultural Organization (ELGO-DIMITRA), Institute of Olive Tree, Subtropical Crops and Viticulture, 73134 Chania, Greece;
| | - Ioannis Tsichlas
- Department of Agriculture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece; (D.F.); (I.T.); (V.A.T.)
| | - Vasileios A. Tzanakakis
- Department of Agriculture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece; (D.F.); (I.T.); (V.A.T.)
| | - Fotis Bilias
- Soil Science Laboratory, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (F.B.); (I.I.); (T.M.)
| | - Eftihia Samara
- Soil Science Laboratory, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (F.B.); (I.I.); (T.M.)
| | - Ioannis Ipsilantis
- Soil Science Laboratory, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (F.B.); (I.I.); (T.M.)
| | - Katerina Grigoriadou
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.G.); (I.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Ioulietta Samartza
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.G.); (I.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Theodora Matsi
- Soil Science Laboratory, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (F.B.); (I.I.); (T.M.)
| | - Georgios Tsoktouridis
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.G.); (I.S.); (N.K.)
- Theofrastos Fertilizers, Industrial Area of Korinthos, Irinis & Filias, Ikismos Arion, Examilia, 20100 Korinthos, Greece
| | - Nikos Krigas
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.G.); (I.S.); (N.K.)
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Vatankhah A, Aliniaeifard S, Moosavi-Nezhad M, Abdi S, Mokhtarpour Z, Reezi S, Tsaniklidis G, Fanourakis D. Plants exposed to titanium dioxide nanoparticles acquired contrasting photosynthetic and morphological strategies depending on the growing light intensity: a case study in radish. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5873. [PMID: 37041194 PMCID: PMC10090060 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32466-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the photocatalytic property of titanium dioxide (TiO2), its application may be dependent on the growing light environment. In this study, radish plants were cultivated under four light intensities (75, 150, 300, and 600 μmol m-2 s-1 photosynthetic photon flux density, PPFD), and were weekly sprayed (three times in total) with TiO2 nanoparticles at different concentrations (0, 50, and 100 μmol L-1). Based on the obtained results, plants used two contrasting strategies depending on the growing PPFD. In the first strategy, as a result of exposure to high PPFD, plants limited their leaf area and send the biomass towards the underground parts to limit light-absorbing surface area, which was confirmed by thicker leaves (lower specific leaf area). TiO2 further improved the allocation of biomass to the underground parts when plants were exposed to higher PPFDs. In the second strategy, plants dissipated the absorbed light energy into the heat (NPQ) to protect the photosynthetic apparatus from high energy input due to carbohydrate and carotenoid accumulation as a result of exposure to higher PPFDs or TiO2 concentrations. TiO2 nanoparticle application up-regulated photosynthetic functionality under low, while down-regulated it under high PPFD. The best light use efficiency was noted at 300 m-2 s-1 PPFD, while TiO2 nanoparticle spray stimulated light use efficiency at 75 m-2 s-1 PPFD. In conclusion, TiO2 nanoparticle spray promotes plant growth and productivity, and this response is magnified as cultivation light intensity becomes limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Vatankhah
- Photosynthesis Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, Aburaihan Campus, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 33916-53755, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Shahrekord, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Sasan Aliniaeifard
- Photosynthesis Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, Aburaihan Campus, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 33916-53755, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Moein Moosavi-Nezhad
- Photosynthesis Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, Aburaihan Campus, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 33916-53755, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Horticultural Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Sahar Abdi
- Photosynthesis Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, Aburaihan Campus, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 33916-53755, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zakieh Mokhtarpour
- Photosynthesis Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, Aburaihan Campus, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 33916-53755, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Reezi
- Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Shahrekord, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Georgios Tsaniklidis
- Laboratory of Vegetable Crops, Institute of Olive Tree, Subtropical Plants and Viticulture, Hellenic Agricultural Organization 'ELGO DIMITRA', 73100, Chania, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Fanourakis
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety of Agricultural Products, Landscape and Environment, Department of Agriculture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Estavromenos, 71004, Heraklion, Greece
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Karapatzak E, Papagrigoriou T, Papanastasi K, Dichala O, Karydas A, Nikisianis N, Patakioutas G, Lazari D, Krigas N, Maloupa E. From the Wild to the Field: Documentation, Propagation, Pilot Cultivation, Fertilization, and Phytochemical Evaluation of the Neglected and Underutilized Amelanchier ovalis Medik. (Rosaceae). PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12051142. [PMID: 36904004 PMCID: PMC10006941 DOI: 10.3390/plants12051142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The snowy Mespilus, or serviceberry (Amelanchier ovalis Medik., Rosaceae) represents a neglected and underutilized small fruit tree species with high nutritional value. In this work, we present the results of a long-term study facilitating the sustainable exploitation of A. ovalis as a new germplasm resource from the Greek flora. Ten wild-growing population samples of A. ovalis have been collected from natural habitats in northern Greece. Asexual propagation trials on these materials delivered successful propagation (83.3% rooting) on a selected genotype via leafy cuttings of young, primary, non-lignified soft wood with the application of the rooting hormone. The ex situ cultivation potential of the selected genotype has been evaluated under distinct fertilization regimes in a pilot field trial. Three-year results of this ongoing trial have shown that A. ovalis does not require external nutrient enhancement to be established during its early stages since plant growth rates between conventional fertilization and control plants were similar for the first two years and higher compared to organic fertilization. Conventional fertilization delivered higher fresh fruit production in the third year, with higher fruit number and fruit size compared to organic fertilization and control plants. The phytochemical potential of the cultivated genotype was assessed via the total phenolic content and radical scavenging activity of separate extracts from leaves, twigs, flowers, and young fruits, which revealed that individual plant organs have strong antioxidant activity despite their moderate total phenolic content. The multifaceted approach applied herein has provided novel data that may set the framework for further applied research toward the sustainable agronomic exploitation of Greek A. ovalis as a diversified superfood crop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftherios Karapatzak
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence: (E.K.); (N.K.); Tel.: +30-2310471110 (N.K.)
| | - Theodora Papagrigoriou
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Katerina Papanastasi
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Olga Dichala
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Antonis Karydas
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikos Nikisianis
- Systems of Forest and Environmental Development (SYSTADA), 8 Amasia, 55133 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Giorgos Patakioutas
- Department of Agriculture, School of Agriculture, University of Ioannina (UOI), 47100 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Diamanto Lazari
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikos Krigas
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Correspondence: (E.K.); (N.K.); Tel.: +30-2310471110 (N.K.)
| | - Eleni Maloupa
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Kostas S, Hatzilazarou S, Pipinis E, Bourgou S, Ben Haj Jilani I, Ben Othman W, Megdiche-Ksouri W, Ghrabi-Gammar Z, Libiad M, Khabbach A, El Haissoufi M, Lamchouri F, Koundourakis E, Greveniotis V, Papaioannou E, Sakellariou MA, Anestis I, Tsoktouridis G, Krigas N. DNA Barcoding, GIS-Facilitated Seed Germination and Pilot Cultivation of Teucrium luteum subsp. gabesianum (Lamiaceae), a Tunisian Local Endemic with Potential Medicinal and Ornamental Value. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11030462. [PMID: 35336835 PMCID: PMC8945747 DOI: 10.3390/biology11030462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the context of plant conservation and sustainable use of unique neglected and underutilized phytogenetic resources, this study focused on the Tunisian local endemic Teucrium luteum subsp. gabesianum (Lamiaceae). Using Geographical Information Systems and online databases, detailed taxon-specific ecological profiling was produced for the first time, which illustrated the temperature and climate conditions in its wild habitats and facilitated the investigation of how temperature affects its seed germination, thus making its cultivation in anthropogenic environments possible. Following the seed propagation first reported herein (77.5−81.25% at temperatures between 15 and 25 °C), species-specific in situ and ex situ conservation efforts or sustainable exploitation strategies can be enabled. This study also reported for the first time how chemical and integrated nutrient management (INM) fertilizers affect the growth and pilot cultivation of its seedlings (INM more advantageous). The firstly-reported herein DNA barcoding may enable its traceability, allowing future product design. The multidisciplinary approach followed has paved the way to bridge important research gaps hindering conservation efforts and/or the sustainable exploitation of this local Tunisian endemic plant to date. Based on the aforementioned results, the feasibility and readiness timescale for its sustainable exploitation was overviewed and re-evaluated herein, upgrading (>two-fold) its potential value for the medicinal-cosmetic, agro-alimentary, and ornamental-horticultural sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanos Kostas
- Laboratory of Floriculture, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (S.K.); (S.H.); (E.K.)
| | - Stefanos Hatzilazarou
- Laboratory of Floriculture, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (S.K.); (S.H.); (E.K.)
| | - Elias Pipinis
- Laboratory of Silviculture, School of Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Soumaya Bourgou
- Laboratoire des Plantes Aromatiques et Médicinales, Centre de Biotechnologie de Borj-Cédria, Tunis 2050, Tunisia;
- Correspondence: (S.B.); (N.K.); Tel.: +30-2310471110 (N.K.)
| | - Imtinen Ben Haj Jilani
- Institut National Agronomique de Tunisie, Université de Carthage, Tunis 1082, Tunisia; (I.B.H.J.); (W.B.O.); (Z.G.-G.)
- Laboratoire de Recherche Biogéographie, Climatologie Appliquée et Dynamiques Environnementales (BiCADE 18ES13), Faculté des Lettres des Arts et des Humanités de Manouba, Campus Universitaire de la Manouba, Université de la Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
| | - Wafa Ben Othman
- Institut National Agronomique de Tunisie, Université de Carthage, Tunis 1082, Tunisia; (I.B.H.J.); (W.B.O.); (Z.G.-G.)
- Laboratoire de Recherche Biogéographie, Climatologie Appliquée et Dynamiques Environnementales (BiCADE 18ES13), Faculté des Lettres des Arts et des Humanités de Manouba, Campus Universitaire de la Manouba, Université de la Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
| | - Wided Megdiche-Ksouri
- Laboratoire des Plantes Aromatiques et Médicinales, Centre de Biotechnologie de Borj-Cédria, Tunis 2050, Tunisia;
| | - Zeineb Ghrabi-Gammar
- Institut National Agronomique de Tunisie, Université de Carthage, Tunis 1082, Tunisia; (I.B.H.J.); (W.B.O.); (Z.G.-G.)
- Laboratoire de Recherche Biogéographie, Climatologie Appliquée et Dynamiques Environnementales (BiCADE 18ES13), Faculté des Lettres des Arts et des Humanités de Manouba, Campus Universitaire de la Manouba, Université de la Manouba, Manouba 2010, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Libiad
- Laboratory of Natural Substances, Pharmacology, Environment, Modelling, Health and Quality of Life (SNAMOPEQ), Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taza, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Taza 35000, Morocco; (M.L.); (A.K.); (M.E.H.); (F.L.)
- Laboratory of Ecology, Systematics and Biodiversity Conservation (LESCB), URL-CNRST Nº18, FS, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan 93000, Morocco
| | - Abdelmajid Khabbach
- Laboratory of Natural Substances, Pharmacology, Environment, Modelling, Health and Quality of Life (SNAMOPEQ), Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taza, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Taza 35000, Morocco; (M.L.); (A.K.); (M.E.H.); (F.L.)
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Conservation and Valorization of Natural Resources (BCVRN), Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fes 30003, Morocco
| | - Mohamed El Haissoufi
- Laboratory of Natural Substances, Pharmacology, Environment, Modelling, Health and Quality of Life (SNAMOPEQ), Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taza, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Taza 35000, Morocco; (M.L.); (A.K.); (M.E.H.); (F.L.)
| | - Fatima Lamchouri
- Laboratory of Natural Substances, Pharmacology, Environment, Modelling, Health and Quality of Life (SNAMOPEQ), Polydisciplinary Faculty of Taza, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Taza 35000, Morocco; (M.L.); (A.K.); (M.E.H.); (F.L.)
| | - Emmanouil Koundourakis
- Laboratory of Floriculture, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (S.K.); (S.H.); (E.K.)
| | - Vasileios Greveniotis
- Institute of Industrial and Forage Crops, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 41335 Larisa, Greece;
| | - Evgenia Papaioannou
- Laboratory of Forest Soil Science, School of Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Michalia A. Sakellariou
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.A.S.); (I.A.); (G.T.)
| | - Ioannis Anestis
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.A.S.); (I.A.); (G.T.)
| | - Georgios Tsoktouridis
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.A.S.); (I.A.); (G.T.)
- Theofrastos Fertilizers, Industrial Area of Korinthos, Irinis & Filias (Arion), 20100 Korinthos, Greece
| | - Nikos Krigas
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.A.S.); (I.A.); (G.T.)
- Correspondence: (S.B.); (N.K.); Tel.: +30-2310471110 (N.K.)
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Akhtar N, Ilyas N, Meraj TA, Pour-Aboughadareh A, Sayyed RZ, Mashwani ZUR, Poczai P. Improvement of Plant Responses by Nanobiofertilizer: A Step towards Sustainable Agriculture. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:965. [PMID: 35335778 PMCID: PMC8949119 DOI: 10.3390/nano12060965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Drastic changes in the climate and ecosystem due to natural or anthropogenic activities have severely affected crop production globally. This concern has raised the need to develop environmentally friendly and cost-effective strategies, particularly for keeping pace with the demands of the growing population. The use of nanobiofertilizers in agriculture opens a new chapter in the sustainable production of crops. The application of nanoparticles improves the growth and stress tolerance in plants. Inoculation of biofertilizers is another strategy explored in agriculture. The combination of nanoparticles and biofertilizers produces nanobiofertilizers, which are cost-effective and more potent and eco-friendly than nanoparticles or biofertilizers alone. Nanobiofertilizers consist of biofertilizers encapsulated in nanoparticles. Biofertilizers are the preparations of plant-based carriers having beneficial microbial cells, while nanoparticles are microscopic (1-100 nm) particles that possess numerous advantages. Silicon, zinc, copper, iron, and silver are the commonly used nanoparticles for the formulation of nanobiofertilizer. The green synthesis of these nanoparticles enhances their performance and characteristics. The use of nanobiofertilizers is more effective than other traditional strategies. They also perform their role better than the common salts previously used in agriculture to enhance the production of crops. Nanobiofertilizer gives better and more long-lasting results as compared to traditional chemical fertilizers. It improves the structure and function of soil and the morphological, physiological, biochemical, and yield attributes of plants. The formation and application of nanobiofertilizer is a practical step toward smart fertilizer that enhances growth and augments the yield of crops. The literature on the formulation and application of nanobiofertilizer at the field level is scarce. This product requires attention, as it can reduce the use of chemical fertilizer and make the soil and crops healthy. This review highlights the formulation and application of nanobiofertilizer on various plant species and explains how nanobiofertilizer improves the growth and development of plants. It covers the role and status of nanobiofertilizer in agriculture. The limitations of and future strategies for formulating effective nanobiofertilizer are mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nosheen Akhtar
- Department of Botany, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi 46300, Pakistan; (N.A.); (Z.-u.-R.M.)
| | - Noshin Ilyas
- Department of Botany, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi 46300, Pakistan; (N.A.); (Z.-u.-R.M.)
| | | | - Alireza Pour-Aboughadareh
- Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj P.O. Box 3183964653, Iran;
| | - R. Z. Sayyed
- Institute of Genetics and Plant Experimental Biology, Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences, Tashkent Region, Tashkent 111208, Uzbekistan;
| | - Zia-ur-Rehman Mashwani
- Department of Botany, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi 46300, Pakistan; (N.A.); (Z.-u.-R.M.)
| | - Peter Poczai
- Finnish Museum of Natural History, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
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Facilitating Conservation and Bridging Gaps for the Sustainable Exploitation of the Tunisian Local Endemic Plant Marrubium aschersonii (Lamiaceae). SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14031637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
In the frame of conservation and sustainable utilization of neglected and underutilized phytogenetic resources, this study produced for the first time a detailed ecological profiling for the local Tunisian endemic Marrubium ascheronii (Lamiaceae) using Geographical Information Systems and open-source data. This profile was used to illustrate the abiotic environmental conditions of its wild habitats; the profile facilitated the examination of the effect of temperature on its seed germination and may inform species-specific guidelines for its cultivation in man-made environments. With effective seed propagation firstly reported herein (68.75% at 20 °C), species-specific in situ conservation efforts and ex situ conservation or sustainable exploitation strategies were enabled for M. aschersonii. The first-reported molecular authentication (DNA barcoding) of M. aschersonii may facilitate its traceability, allowing for product design. This study also reports for the first time the effects of chemical and integrated nutrient management (INM) fertilizers on the growth and pilot cultivation of M. aschersonii seedlings, with the latter being advantageous. This multidisciplinary approach has bridged important research gaps that hindered the conservation efforts and/or the sustainable exploitation for this local endemic plant of Tunisia. Based on all the above, we re-evaluated and updated the feasibility and readiness timescale for sustainable exploitation of M. aschersonii in the medicinal-cosmetic, agro-alimentary and ornamental-horticultural sectors.
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Pheno-Morphological and Essential Oil Composition Responses to UVA Radiation and Protectants: A Case Study in Three Thymus Species. HORTICULTURAE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae8010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation mainly includes UVA (320–400 nm). UVA intensity varies depending on the season and geographic location, while it is projected to rise owing to climate change. Since it elicits secondary metabolism, additional knowledge on the UVA dependence of phytochemical production is required for both farmers and processors, particularly under natural settings. In this field study, the pheno-morphological traits and essential oil composition responses to UVA intensity were addressed in three Thymus species [T. daenensis (endemic to Iran), T. fedtschenkoi (semi-endemic), T. vulgaris (common thyme)]. During growth, three UVA levels (ambient, enriched, excluded) were realized in combination with spraying protectants [water (control), melatonin, glutathione, iron-zinc nanofertilizer]. In T. daenensis, enriched UVA caused early flowering. The height of T. daenensis was the longest under enriched UVA, and the shortest under excluded UVA. In control plants, enriched and excluded UVA stimulated the accumulation of oxygenated metabolites in T. daenensis and T. fedtschenkoi. Altogether, under enriched UVA some phenolic compounds (e.g., thymol, carvacrol, γ-terpinene) increased in the essential oil of all three species, but others decreased. In all taxa, glutathione caused a significant essential oil content reduction. Iron-zinc nanofertilizer increased essential oil accumulation in T. daenensis and T. vulgaris. Treatments also induced an alteration of the essential oil composition. In conclusion, cultivation regime effects on the essential oil quality (composition) and quantity were strongly species dependent. T. deanensis underwent the most consistent enhancement under UVA, making the species more adaptable to climate change, whereas T. fedtschenkoi the least.
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